Robert Dale LaClair was born June 2, 1933, in Olympia, Washington, where he lived with his mother, Edna, and his two brothers, William and Gerald. After graduating from high school, Bob honorably served in the United States Army from 1953 through 1955. After the Army, Bob obtained his associate in arts degree from Centralia Junior College, married Edwina Mitchell and moved to the Seattle area where he would live for the rest of his life.
Bob worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. The biggest passion in his lifetime was his love of bluegrass and original country music, which was shown in his collection of over 3,000 vinyl records. Bob would often share his collection with the local radio station, KRAB, where he would co-disc jockey. Bob was a member of Aqua Dive Swim Club in Lake City, a lover of animals and a lifetime member of the Church of God. Bob was also a proud lifetime blood donor, with over 16 gallons of recorded donation.
In his later years, Bob would spend every morning at the Northgate Mall getting a coffee and a pastry and talking with the people in his community. He was a proud honorary grandpa to many, often boasting about his “grandkids” from all different cultures and lifestyles.
Bob passed away at the age of 90 on Feb. 3, 2024, after complications from a fall. He is survived by his two daughters, Connie LaClair-Henderson (John Henderson) and Kristina LaClair; grandchildren, Anthony Alsted Jr. and Amanda Garcia (John Garcia); two great-grandchildren; Daniel and Adeline Garcia; four nephews; and two nieces.
Rest in peace, Daddy.
Services will be held with military honors at 1 p.m. March 12, 2024, at Tahoma National Cemetery. Anyone who would like to attend is welcome. Line up at 12:30 p.m. to attend his 1 p.m. service.
