Robert Laing

Robert Laing, passed away Feb. 26, 2014, in Oak Harbor, WA. He was 87. He died peacefully at Homeplace, where he lived the last year and a half, due to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Bob was born to Edward and Helen Laing on August 25, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA. After high school, he promptly joined the Navy, and worked in electronics aboard a destroyer. On the GI Bill, he went to Penn State and graduated in 1950 with a BS in Engineering. In 1961, he graduated from Pittsburgh University with an MBA.

While a college student Bob met his future wife Trudy Spiker. They eloped in 1947. They raised three children and were together for 67 years until she passed away.

Bob’s dream was to travel, and he achieved that through his work. Pittsburgh Plate Glass sent him to Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. In 1964, he began a 20 year career with Boeing, a job that allowed him to travel all through Asia. After Boeing, Bob founded, EUROTECH, a company connecting Washington State farmers with food processors in Asia. Later he worked for the French aerospace company GETECA until retirement.

Catholic by conversation, Bob was passionate about his faith and Bible study. He was a member of St. Louise Parish in Bellevue, and Open Spirit, at Edwards Church, in Seattle.

Bob hiked the Cascades and scuba dived in Puget Sound. He enjoyed dancing and every kind of music. He loved going to Anthony’s Seaport, the Rainier Club, the Intiman Theater and attending concerts at the zoo with his friends. But more than anything, Bob loved and cared about people. He was a good listener who always gave validation and support. His favorite writing was the prayer of St. Francis, and he tried to live by those words.

Bob is survived by his sister Jan Waterman, and children Bruce, Christine, and Kevin. He has five grandchildren: Justin, Jessica, Brian, Jason, Krissie, and a great grandson, Kingston.

A Mass will be celebrated in Bob’s honor at St. Louise Parish in Bellevue, Friday, March 21st at 9:00 am. There will be a private family inurnment at Sunnyside Cemetery, in Coupeville, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the last place Bob worked as a volunteer: Merciful Love Connection, 6208 – 226th St. SE, Bothell, WA 98021. To learn more see: www.mercifulloveconnection.org