Bob Risinger

Wenatchee, WA

Bob Risinger passed away, in the comfort of his recliner, at the age of 63, on September 22, 2011, in Wenatchee. Bob's family will remember him for his constant hugs and for always reminding them how much he loved them. Everyone who knew Bob will remember him for his "thumbs up" and "Life is Good" t-shirt, hat and attitude. Bob was born on January 19, 1948, in Miami, FL to Gladys "Jean" Larson and Carl Raymond Risinger. He spent most of his childhood in Wenatchee, WA. When his mother and siblings moved to Spokane, just prior to Bob's senior year in high school, he chose to stay behind to be near his best friend and future wife, Susan Roehl. Bob and Susan were married on July 27, 1968, and supported each other through college. Bob graduated with a BA in Business Administration and Education from Eastern Washington University, and earned a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Washington State University. He also served in the National Guard. Bob started his career in Willapa Harbor, WA as a teacher. While in the Willapa Harbor/Raymond area, Bob and Susan had their two sons, Rob in 1976, and Rick in 1978. During his 37 year career in Education, Bob worked in Willapa Harbor, Raymond, Battle Ground, Mt. Vernon and Omak School Districts. He retired from Superintendent of Omak School District in 2009. His one and only philosophy throughout his career was "doing what's best for kids." Bob played a large role in founding the C.A.S.E.E. project (Center for Agriculture, Science, and Environmental Education) in Battle Ground; he was awarded one of the "Battle Ground School District's '100 Heroes'", and completed the Omak High School Renovation project before he retired in 2009. Bob was often described as a "big kid" because of his constant energy and passion for family, hobbies, his career as an educator, and everything he did in life. He loved racquetball, photography, flying stunt kites, listening to music, and watching movies. Bob was proud to be a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 2004. With many prayers and support from family and friends, he tackled it with few complaints.

Many thanks to "Our House" and Cancer Care of North Central Washington for providing a comfortable home away from home while he was undergoing radiation.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; two sons, Rob (Michelle) and Rick; mother, Jean; brothers, Randy, Rick, Ron and Roger; sisters, Kathy Harrington and Jena Flaa; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Janet and Kirk Thomson and Steve and Ginny Roehl; 28 nieces and nephews; and other extended family from Spokane to Seattle; plus many friends throughout Washington State and beyond.

There will be a Celebration of Bob's Life at the Wenatchee Community Center, 504 S. Chelan Avenue on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. We welcome any stories about Bob's life to celebrate the great man that he was. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our House, c/o Cancer Care of North Central Washington.