Robert S LaBow

Robert Smith LaBow 1940 - 2022 Rob LaBow, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and loyal friend, passed away suddenly at the age of 81 on April 9, 2022, at his home in Chelan, WA. Born on April 26, 1940 in Seattle, WA, to parents, Thelma and Robert LaBow. A 1958 graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle, Rob often spoke proudly of his football years, including All City Varsity. The Garfield Bulldogs were State Champions in ’56 and ’58, and placed 2nd in ’57. From 1958 to 1962, Rob attended the University of Washington, where he was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) Fraternity, as well as Central Washington College in Ellensburg, WA, and a stint at Mexico City College, where he enjoyed the vibrant culture. From 1962 to 1967, Rob served in The United States Marine Corps Reserve. In 1963, Rob began his career at LaBow Haynes Co., Inc. in Seattle, WA. Founded by his grandfather, Louis LaBow, and Richard Haynes, LaBow Haynes was one of the largest Brokerage Firms in the Northwest and ranked in the top 30 in the country. During its history, there were offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Anchorage, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and Cashmere,WA, and Portland, OR. The Company sold in 1974 to Kemper Corp., where Rob remained as President until 1987. From 1988 until his retirement in 2005, he was an Account Executive with the Parker, Smith, and Feek Brokerage firm in Seattle. Rob made many lifelong friendships over his years at LaBow Haynes and within the insurance business. In 1990, Rob built his home in Lake Chelan WA. Always a proponent of sweat equity, Rob was hands-on in the design and build of his home. His love of landscape architecture led to creating many unique water features through the years. In 2005, Rob married Penny Auer Spencer, and together they enjoyed their horses, dogs, boating, bulldozing, gardening, and the abundance of natural beauty that Lake Chelan offers. Among his civic and charitable contributions, Rob served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers of Seattle King Co. from 1970 to 1980, Little Bit Special Riders from 1984-1989 (President ’84 to ’86), Greater Seattle Inc., Evergreen Safety Council, and the Leavenworth Chapter of Trout Unlimited from 2001 to 2003. Rob was also a member of the Chelan County Planning Commission from 1999-2000. In the 70’s, with Lake Hills Soccer Club in Bellevue, WA., Rob took great pride in coaching his own sons’ teams to numerous championships. His hobbies included salmon and fly fishing, Arabian Horses, gardening, woodworking, watercolor painting, boating, and duck and pheasant hunting. Rob was always in his “Happy Place” operating a bulldozer, behind the wheel of a Corvette, at the helm of a boat, or casting a fly rod. Rob cherished his many memories of time spent with friends and family, from his youth throughout his life at the family summer home on beautiful Bells Beach Whidbey Island, as well as cruising both the American and Canadian San Juan Islands. Once while cruising the San Juans in his boat ‘Serenity’, his youngest son asked what the name meant to him. Rob responded, “It’s what’s left when we’re all gone.” We hope you’ve found serenity, Dad. Rob is survived by his wife, Penny, of Chelan WA; three sons: Jeffrey (Joie), of Seattle, WA; Richard (Karry), of Bremerton, WA, and Timothy (Jodi), of Bellevue, WA; with ex-wife, Joan; four grandchildren: Lauren, Elijah, Nicholas, and Athena; sister, Diane (Pete) Kirkman, of LaConner WA; niece, Brooke Nelson; nephew, Brent Nelson (Daniele); step-daughters: Adrianne Valdez, and Marcella Charland (John); step-grandchildren: Cameron Roberts, Alora Charland, and JJ Charland; and four great-step-grandchildren. In keeping with Rob’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Donations can be made in Rob’s name to Little Bit Special Riders (www.littlebit.org) or to Conservation Northwest (www.conservationnw.org). The family has selected Precht Rose Chapel, of Chelan, WA, to assist them with arrangements. Please leave your thoughts and memories at www.prechtrose.com

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Robert S LaBow

April 26, 1940 - April 9, 2022