Robert Daniel Shaner, 80, died at home in Olympia, Washington, on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. After a long battle with cancer, he went home to be with our Lord.
Born June 30, 1934, in Mossyrock, Washington, to Hannah and Tom Shaner. Bob attended Mossyrock High School, graduating in 1953. As an amazing athlete he earned 15 letters, AllState Football, All- American Football and was a multi-event state medalist. On Sept. 26, 1953, Bob married Beulah Blankenship Boo with whom he enjoyed a lifelong romance. He attended Centralia College and Eastern Washington University, graduating in 1957.
Following graduation, Bob taught at White Pass High School, 1957-1962 and served as football, track and basketball coach. Thereafter, Bob secured a position at Tumwater where he served for 31 years, 1962-1993 as teacher, coach and 16 years as athletic director. Completing his tenure with the Tumwater School District, Bob worked at the New Market Vocational Skill Center for four years, Building Trade 1993-1996.
After his retirement, Bob continued to be actively involved in community athletics: WIAA State Football and Basketball, Tournament Manager 17 years.
Being a very humble man, Bob never spoke of his accolades but he received many awards in his lifetime, including WIAA Athletic Director Hall of Fame 1994, Tumwater High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Centralia College Sports Hall of Fame, YMCA Lifetime Achievement Award 2004 and the Bob Shaner Invitational Track Meet held annually in his honor.
Bob loved his community and gave a lifetime of service through the Lions, Elks Youth Program, Babe Ruth Baseball, and countless others. He was also an active member of the United Methodist Church.
Survivors include beloved wife, Boo, 61 years of marriage of Olympia, Washington; daughter, Kimila (Vince) Tangherlini of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; sons, Kevin (Mary) of Boise, Idaho, Kyle Thomas (Cindy) of Olympia, Washington, Kraig (Jenifer) of Olympia, Washington; grandchildren, Dr. Samantha Jo (David) Abair of Monrovia, California, Kyle Robert Shaner, Enid, Oklahoma, Luke Shaner of Seattle, Washington, Vinny Tangherlini, Irvine, California, Hunter Shaner, Olympia, Washington, Robert Tangherlini of Irvine, California and Sydney Shaner of Olympia, Washington.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-Laws, Lon and Patricia Blankenship, Sherri and Wayne Rash; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his dear parents, Tom and Hannah Shaner.
A quiet, honest man, Bob will be remembered for his strength of character, integrity, and indomitable spirit. He was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. He loved nature, the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter and woodsman. Bob lived life courageously and honorably.
Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Tumwater High School Gymnasium, 700 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98501. Memorial contributions are welcome at Providence St. Peter Foundation, Attn: Hospice Fund, 413 Lilly Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506 or your favorite charity.
Heartfelt thanks to the many special friends and relatives for your love and support. He will be missed by many.
“Death has no power over him anymore.” Romans 6:9
Please visit Bob’s website at HYPERLINK http://www.millsandmillsfuneralhome.com where you may leave comments or pictures.
