Robert E. (Bob) Packwood of Asotin passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, May 25, 2015. Bob was born May 26, 1933, to Clarence L. (Brick) and Geraldine E. (Heath) Packwood, at his grandparents' home in Winchester. As a child, Bob's family moved to Longview, Wash., and returned to Lewiston in 1939. Bob attended school in Lewiston from first grade through high school, graduating in 1951. Bob enjoyed playing sports in high school, including football and basketball. He also played city league basketball for many years. While in high school and at different times, he worked for Ira McIntosh and Sons farming. It was a pleasant and rewarding experience for him. Over the years, he completed a number of independent correspondence studies through the University of Idaho, Washington State University and Lewis-Clark State College.
Bob married Wilma F. (Winnie) McFarland on June 7, 1952, and they moved to Clarkston that year and then to Asotin in 1978. He worked for Potlatch Corp. for 39 years, retiring in 1991. He worked in the pulp and paper powerhouse before moving into management. He was first a safety coordinator, then personnel manager in both pulp and paper and wood products. Prior to retiring, he was employee relations manager for pulp and paperboard. Bob had a strong work ethic that he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He always found time to spend time with his family, attending sporting and other activities and taking many memorable family vacations.
Bob was a longtime member of Clarkston First Christian Church, serving as an elder for several years. He held many different positions on the church board. He was a past member of the Clarkston Jaycees, Clarkston Lions, Bantam Boosters, Moose Lodge and Lewis-Clark Saddle Club. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge. He was heavily involved with Little League summer baseball for many years in Clarkston and also enjoyed league bowling in the past. Bob enjoyed watching LCSC basketball and baseball, including the NAIA World Series, Seattle Mariners and Gonzaga basketball. He attended as many of his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's activities as possible right up to the end. Over the years, he and Winnie were fortunate enough to travel to all 50 states as well as many countries all over the world.
Bob is survived by his wife, Winnie, of Asotin; sons Robert Packwood Jr. (Tina) of Cleveland, Tenn., and Gary Packwood (Pat) of Lewiston; and daughters Lori Landrus (Ron) of Clarkston and Anita Orton (Paul) of Lewiston. He is also survived by grandchildren Josh Landrus (Hailey) of Spokane, Derek Landrus (Autumn Morton) of Clarkston, Troy Orton (Jamie Burman) of Lewiston, Erin Schneider (Brian) of Lewiston, Andrew Packwood (Tammy) of Lewiston, Caroline Packwood of Dawsonville, Ga., Charlie Walker (Megan) of Lewiston, and Darci Walker (Jason Johnson) of Clarkston. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Packwood (Dawn) of Clarkston, sister-in-law Ruth Packwood of Clarkston and cousin Janice Heath, with whom he remained close until he passed. He also is survived by 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James L. Packwood and Kenneth H. Packwood; sister Linda S. Packwood; grandson Kyron P. Orton; granddaughter Jill Walker; father-in-law Earl H. McFarland; and mother- and father-in-law Juanita and Blaine Ottis.
Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and his family meant the world to him and he was the world to them. He never did lose his wit and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lewiston, with David Carringer, pastor of the Clarkston First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will follow immediately. A luncheon will be held at Clarkston First Christian Church following the services at 840 10th St., Clarkston.
The family suggests donations be made to Clarkston First Christian Church, Washington State Special Olympics (Tri-Cities), The Willow Center for Grieving Children, Jackson Baldwin Foundation or memorial of your choice.
Condolences can be made to the family by signing the online guestbook at www.mtviewfuneralhome.com.
