Robert Eugene Schilt, 78, passed away on April 19, 2024, in Rainier, Washington. He was born Dec. 12, 1945, to Eugene and Catherine (Anvik) Schilt in Centralia, Washington, and attended Centralia schools.
From a young age, Robert was a master outdoorsman and excelled in hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, backpacking and foraging wild mushrooms and other foods. Robert’s gardening skills and plant and wildlife knowledge were beyond comparison.
Robert served two years in the U.S. Navy and more recently volunteered helping local veterans. Robert served on the board of directors with the Thurston County Farm Bureau. He was also a passionate educator and defender of our constitutional rights.
Robert’s passing is an immense loss to his family, friends and community.
Robert is survived by Tessa Hale, his faithful companion for 29 years; his children from a prior marriage, Alisa Schilt de León (Raul), Brian Schilt and Kirsten Todd; his grandchildren, Drew Burrows and Chicha Fox; and his great-grandchild, Joshua Fox.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Robert was the oldest sibling and stepped up as the patriarch of the family. Robert is also survived by his siblings, Sherry Stansell, Steven Schilt, Connie Fuller, William Schilt, Christine Marquis, Cami Wilkening, Sally Gullstrand and John Schilt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Jester’s Auto Museum and Event Center, 321 Hamilton Road, Chehalis, Washington.
