On March 14, 2024, Robert “Bob” Meeks, 68, unexpectedly passed away. Born on September 20, 1955, in Omaha, Nebraska, Bob carried his easygoing manner and happy smile in everything he did. Whether hiking in the mountains, tending to the trees and shrubs in his nursery, or enjoying a microbrew with friends, Bob embraced the simple pleasures in life.
Bob loved the outdoors. Downhill skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing were his favorites. He climbed many of the local peaks, including Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. He also loved working on his acreage near Cooper’s Corner, growing hundreds of nursery trees, caring for his orchard, and driving his tractor. It was a labor of love, which he enjoyed every day.
And although he was admittedly not a gearhead, during the last four summers he enthusiastically organized trips to the Bonneville Salt Flats to watch some of the fastest cars in the world during Speed Week.
In his professional life, Bob was a real estate appraiser. First working for Love Appraisal in Auburn, and then forming his own business, Capital Appraisal Service.
Bob was a passionate member of the King/Pierce County Farm Bureau. During his 25 years on the board he served as president several times. Each year he looked forward to going to Washington D.C. and participating in the legislative process. He was also a board member of the Appraisers’ Coalition of Washington State and serviced as its president.
Bob was a long-time member of Wabash Presbyterian Church, and for the past 15 years was a member of Mount Rainier Christian Center. He enjoyed volunteering at Kid’s Church and interacting with the small children.
Bob was the embodiment of thoughtfulness. Every year he picked over 1,500 pounds of apples from his orchard of 150 apple trees and donated them to many of the local food banks.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Sheila Meeks, his daughters Claire Meeks and Emily Meeks, and step-daughters Ashley (& Nate) Wallstrom, Katie (& Joe) Nobili, and Jennifer (& Matt) McBride, and five grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Dana (& Carol) Meeks. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Ward Meeks and Dolores Meeks.
It is hard to imagine that he is not still with us today. Let us honor Bob’s memory by living life as he did – with a warm smile, kindness in his heart, and generosity in his actions.
There will be a memorial for Bob on Saturday April 13 at 11 am at Mount Rainier Christian Center, 1878 Osceola St N, Enumclaw, WA 98022; (360) 825-2007. All are welcome.
Bob has a memorial webpage at www.ReturnHome.com, which has several photos. You are welcome to share a favorite memory or photo of Bob.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “DoctorsWithoutBorders.org” or to a local food bank.