In Memory

Bob Kapus

Bob Kapus

 

Robert John Kapus, March 25, 1947 –

April 18, 2014

Robert joined our Lord, April 18, 2014 with family and friends by his side. Robert was born in Morris MN on March 25, 1947 but grew up in Lynnwood Wash raised by mother, Lois (Norenberg) and father Jim Schindler. He attended Meadowdale HS and was tremendously gifted at whatever he put his mind or hands to. He loved fixing or building engines and motors, model planes or trains. Bob enlisted and served honorably as a United States Marine in Vietnam. Returning home married his HS sweetheart and first wife Patricia Sjoblom April 1967 having two sons, Erik and Jerrod. Dad finished his service as a member of the USMC National Marksmanship Team winning numerous competitions. He worked for GTE 10 years as a telephone repairman before striking out on his own as an independent contractor. His job and love for the open road led him from place to place. Backpacking in the mountains away from civilization with a family member or friend was not uncommon. On December 30, 1989, he married the love of his life Vicky Montroy. After settling in Milton-Freewater Ore. he enjoyed living the life of a carny. Of all of his adventures this brought him the most joy and fulfillment. He loved God and he loved people. Cooking and sharing a good meal while conversing was enjoyed by all. Bob was known for his infectious laugh, great story telling and neighborly love. We are blessed and fortunate to have had him in our lives. He is missed. Dad was preceded in death by Jim and Lois Schindler, Jimmy Jr, and Robert John Kapus, Sr. He is survived by Vicky, Erik (Jennifer), Jerrod (Sunshine), Chris Schindler, Patrick (Lisa), James Schindler, III, Sean, Zachary; Paige, Emily, Morgan, Hannah, Rheanna, Tana Alters, Beth Schindler, Paul (Amy) Tomlin, Bill Pittman; and countless others he endeared himself to. He will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Wash on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 12:30 p.m.

 

Reprinted from The Everett Herald, May 21, 2014



 
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05/21/14 10:25 PM #1    

Paul Tomlin

I first knew Bob in the summer of 1959 when his family moved to the neighborhood in the new development behind our house.  My family had just moved to Lynnwood from north Seattle the previous month.  Since we were each other's first acquaintances in a new neighborhood we became fast friends.

We were typical 13 yr. old guys making our way from childhood to hormones.  This was a time when there were still acres of woods for kids to roam through and there was plenty of room for adolescent imaginations to run amok.  Our stand of woods had a huge pond where Bob and I built a raft on which we floated down the Mississippi River looking for a place to hide from the sheriff or we sailed the Spanish Main in the Caribbean looking for a deserted island to bury our pirates plunder.  We fell in during tropical storms, got wet and smoked cigarettes while we dried out.  There were derelict cars riddled with bullet holes in those woods..."are those blood stains on the seats?"  We conjured that Eliot Ness and his "Untouchables" surely must've been chasing Frank Nitti's gangsters in a raging high speed gun battle in order to apprehend the bootlegging thugs.  Then we ate fat juicy huckleberrys off huge huckleberry bushes.  That summer was one of the nicest summers in memory.  The days were sunny and warm.  The nights were clear and balmy.  We spent many nights that summer sleeping under the stars marveling at the universe and talking of boyhood fantasies.

Bob was a handsome devil.  Guys our age, I think, were a little jealous because he was able to command the attentions and affections of the girls with little or no effort on his part.  Every week or ten days he would talk of a new girl in his young life with whom he was going steady.  It wasn't only his looks that charmed them.  Even as a kid, he had an infectious personality and he was smart; funny, and he loved to laugh.  Then, there was that impish grin that implied an aura of mischief about him.

Bob had many interests but school wasn't one of them.  He loved to talk and he could wax eloquent with passion and knowledge about the things that interested him.  He had a pet white rat named Ernie; he loved building and painting his model railroad equipment and he loved anything with motors...motorcycles, fast cars, planes and locomotives.  Ever devoted to his railroad hobby, one of his favorite pastimes was going down to Balmer Yard in Seattle to watch the yard engines switch rail cars.  Me, I wasn't too thrilled with railroads at the time but later, we talked of the irony that it was I with the railroad career.  We took the Greyhound down to the Seattle world's fair while Elvis was making his movie.  Then, when Bob turned 16 and got his driver's license we explored Seattle and surrounding areas on his Lambretta named "Yenefy".  Bob was generous.  If he had a dime, he would give a nickel.

Bob took no guff from anyone.  I've seen him stand down guys when confronted that were bigger than he.  What he lacked in stature he more than made up for in attitude.  There was this kid at Mountlake Terrace High that thought maybe he should kick Bob's ass.  Bob got wind of the threat and made arrangements to commence the bragged about ass kicking.  The next day, the kid, Bob, me and onlookers anxious to observe a rumble, made our way though a loose board in the fence that separated the school yard from the adjacent street.  The fight lasted 30 seconds and two hits; Bob hitting the kid and the kid hitting the deck whereupon the kid began to bawl.  Bob extended a hand to help the kid up and that was the end of that.  We both played clarinet in the school band and marched during halftime at the football games.  I was able to persuade Bob to try out for the Christmas play with me and we landed parts as Roman soldiers.  Bob played "Tigrenese" the centurion.  He took it in good humor when the other kids in the cast referred to him as "tiger knees".  Many a time through the years he would mention how reluctant he was to be in a school play but always said that he was glad he did because he never expected to have so much fun.

Bob was the first  of a string of guys from MHS class of '65 to join the Marine Corps and he earned a promotion to PFC upon graduating from boot camp.  He served in Vietnam and was on the USMC rifle marksmanship team that competed all across the country.  He served the Marine Corps and his country honorably.

Bob and I were different people and we had different lives but through the years we made it a point to stay in touch.  Bob was always looking for excitement, anxious to look around the next corner to see what surprises awaited him.  Wanderlust kept him from staying in one place too long.  His work for different phone companies took him to many states.  I think the most fun he had was when he worked as a roustabout for a traveling carnival show.  He loved the nomadic life and he had an affection for the carnies.

Bob made it up for the class of '65 turns 65 reunion at the Holiday Inn in Everett and he spent time staying with me and Bill Pittman.  We laughed and reminisced.  He still had that mischievous twinkle in his eye when he smiled.  I spoke with Bob on the phone a few days before he passed away and he talked again of the reunion and what a great time he had reconnecting with everyone.  He said it was one of the best times of his life.

Bob was independent and he lived his life as he saw fit.  Even so, and in his way, he loved his family.  He was especially proud of his sons, Erik and Jerrod.  I have been blessed to have close friends in my life and it has been my experience that when someone close passes away, a hole remains where that person once occupied space and time.  This hole never completely closes...there has to be a space left for the  memories.  Bob has been a fixture in my life and I will miss him.  Thanks for listening.    PJT
 

 

 


05/22/14 02:29 PM #2    

Pat McFarland (Hansen)

Paul, these are beautifully written and incredibly heartfelt memories of your life long friendship with Bob. I didn't know him well, however I loved reading your description of him. Not many people are fortunate enough to have such close friends. Thank you for sharing. 


05/22/14 07:46 PM #3    

Chris Thompson

Paul, very well stated. I thought you did not pass Sr. Englizh.

CTT

 


05/22/14 09:45 PM #4    

Jan Canfield (Nofziger)

Paul:  That was beautifully written.  They should have asked you to write his obit.

Jan Canfield Nofziger


05/23/14 01:00 AM #5    

Paul Beals

The love you shared rings clearly in the tone of your reflection. Thank you. His memory is well served.


05/23/14 11:14 AM #6    

George McLouth

Paul

Had to smile often whilst reading your reminiscences of Bob.  I always enjoyed his companionship albeit infrequent.  By the way, do you recall is favorite pet?  the white rat!  


05/23/14 01:56 PM #7    

Karen Kraatz (DeBruler)

Paul, I've heard you and Bill talk about Bob since our last reunion.  This personal history shows why you had such care for him.  Very well-written, sir!


05/24/14 08:20 PM #8    

Fern Rostad (Miller)

Paul, your memories of Bob brought back so many memories of my own regarding him and our neighborhood. I lived up 186th from the pond you described and remember sneaking into the woods with Rosemary Wilkerson to spy on the high schoolers who hung out there. We played on the raft and went home wet and filthy on many occasions.

I was one of the girls who dated Bob, and when I saw him at the reunion in Everett I reminderd him that he was my first real date and my first kiss! He either did not have access to a car or did not drive our sophomore year so he picked me up at my house on foot and we walked to the Lynnwood Bowl where we had a very nice time. My mother invited him to stay for dinner when he walked me home and both she and my Dad were impressed by his manners and demeanor.

I was so sad to hear that such a sweet guy had passed away. He was very fortunate to have such a good friend in you. Thank you for sharing your story.


05/25/14 03:08 PM #9    

Tim Whitman

Thanks, Paul for sharing so well. I can also remember a couple of times when Bob went to the train yards and ended up in Portland. Bob was in my wedding and was a good friend and will be missed.


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