Robert Mayer

Robert (Bob) Paul Mayer, 73 of Ephrata, WA passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019 at home with his loving wife, Karen, by his side after an extended 13 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He fought a brave fight until the end surrounded by family. Born on Sept. 22, 1945 in Ephrata, he was the son of Leo & Faye Mayer, dry land wheat ranchers on Sagebrush Flats. At the age of 16, Bob met Karen on the middle of Bonaparte Lake, above Tonasket, WA, and it was love at first sight. Bob graduated from Ephrata High School in 1964, where he lettered in Football and Track. He then married his sweetheart, Karen, on June 27, 1965 in Okanogan, WA and then they began their life together in Ephrata, WA. Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard at 19, serving for over 7 years. He worked diligently for the Grant County PUD for over 30 years. At 18, he started out servicing trucks. Through the years, he worked his way up as an Electrician, until at age 49 he retired as the Substation Foreman for Grant county. Bob was a dedicated husband and exceptional father. He dearly loved his 3 kids: Laura, Angie, and Bobby, they were his greatest accomplishment. He was a devoted family man teaching them how to camp and love the outdoors. One highlight of his life was taking the family twice on a road trip adventure to Alaska. He was a great supporter at all his kids sporting events: football, basketball and track. He and Karen were wonderful, loving, parents to their children and grandchildren. Spending time with his horses and mules, was one of Bob’s greatest joys. Trail rides with his daughter, Laura; wife, Karen; and countless “horse friends” where he was known affectionately as “Buckaroo Bob” was what he liked to do. He loved building trail, hunting elk and exploring the wilderness. He was happiest surrounded by his family, friends and animals. The inner farmer in him came out when he got the chance to work a backhoe or drive a tractor across a wheat field. Bob was also a talented welder and builder, always busy with a project. He was a member of the Back Country Horsemen of WA-Crab Creek Riders, Grant County Horsemen, Ephrata Saddle Club, and he led the Last Grand Roundup 100 Year Centennial Committee, as well as helping with many other community projects. Bob never met a stranger, he was a kind man with a big heart. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is survived by the love of his life, Karen, his wife of almost 54 years, who cared for him tirelessly for the past several years; his daughters Laura (Jim Perdue) Mayer of Moses Lake, WA and Angie Mayer of Ephrata; son Bobby (Katie) Mayer of Ephrata; his brothers Richard (Bev) Mayer and Raymond (Loretta) Mayer of Ephrata; sister Linda Field of CA; brother-in-law Gary (Pat) Klepec of Okanogan, WA; and 5 wonderful grandchildren: Connor, Abbey, Wyatt, Josephine, and August; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Leo Eugene Mayer; mother Faye Evelyn Mayer; and sister Delores Silva. Funeral Service: Saturday, April 27, 11am with receiving line 10-10:50am. Address: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1301 East Division Ave, Ephrata. Burial: Ephrata Cemetery to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Robert Mayer

September 22, 1945 - April 14, 2019