Robert Eugene St.John

R.E. "Bob" St. John, 90, of East Wenatchee, a longtime resident of North Central Washington, died on September 22, 2017, at Colonial Vista following an extended illness. Bob was born August 5, 1927 in Okanogan to Lewis H. and Edna (Jones) St. John, pioneer residents of the Okanogan area. Bob's maternal grandparents homesteaded along Salmon Creek (later Clover) in the 1880's and his paternal grandparents in the Lime Belt region (Pine Creek) in the early 1900's. Bob attended the Okanogan schools for all 12 years, graduating in 1945. A short time after graduation he entered the Army Air Corps, which he spent 37 months assigned to the Counter Intelligence Corps having been stationed in Washington DC and later in various places in Latin and South America. Following discharge, he continued his education attending W.S.U, E.W.U, and the U. of Hawaii. Bob married Joan Stanley, while attending college and to this union, three children were born. Both Jean and Bob pursued careers in Education. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2001. Bob taught at the elementary, secondary and college levels for over 30 years, retiring as head of the Counseling Department at Wenatchee Valley College. He took an active part, both within the communities in which they lived and, the professional organization to which he belonged. Bob had been a Colville Lions Club member for many years, taught Sunday school at the Methodist church, was institutional Representative for the B.S. A, a longtime member of the Eagles Club, the American Legion, and belonged to and held offices in many professional organizations including: S.C. E.A., W.E.A., N.E.A., President of the Association of Higher Education, and Washington State Counseling/Guidance Association. Bob participated with many of the fundraisers / drives to assist groups and organizations, particularly those assisting monetarily with health related research and treatment. A lifetime out-of-doors enthusiast, Bob continued to enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife photography. In retirement years, he enjoyed the salmon fishing trips to Alaska, Vancouver Island and all along the Pacific coast, Puget Sound, and several rivers in Washington. The many ventures for steelhead on the Okanogan, Methow, Wenatchee, Columbia and coastal streams were a challenge to him. He especially enjoyed the outings for upland game birds, migratory waterfowl, big game animals and just hiking and exploring in the backcountry. As advanced age occurred, he exchanged the guns and poles for the camera. Along with the donation of many samples of fish and game, native to North Central Washington, to provide an educational resource to those that may wish to visit the O.C.H.S. museums at Conconully and Okanogan. "Robert", as he was referred to by family a member is survived by wife, Jean, at their home of 50 years in East Wenatchee; daughters: Connie, of East Wenatchee, Christy, of Spokane; son, Steve, of Yakima; granddaughters: Kelly, Casey, Madeline, Meghan; great granddaughters: Bethany, Charlette and Katheryn and brother, L. Holland of Richland. His parents and an infant brother preceded him in death. At Bob's request, there will be no formal service. A family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Okanogan County Historical Society, Okanogan, WA 98840. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Robert Eugene St.John

August 5, 1927 - September 22, 2017