Robert “Bob” Wraith

Robert “Bob” A. WRAITH

Born on January 27, 1933, Bob passed away at home in the arms of his family on January 26, 2009 following a courageous 15 year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Bob was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a long time teacher and football and basketball coach at Renton High School.

Bob attended South Kitsap High School and graduated from Valley City (ND) State University. He served in the Air Force in the Korean War and later in the Army Reserve. He was a Drill Sergeant and was especially proud of his service in the 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Bob spent most of his 30 year teaching career at Renton High School before retiring in 1989. He coached football at Renton from 1964 to 1986 and was an assistant coach on Renton’s back-to-back State championship basketball teams in 1966 and 1967. Bob later coached football at Mercer Island High School from 2003-2007 and Juanita High School in 2008.

Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Signe; his three children Steve (Jane) Wraith, Shannon (Peter) Van Oppen, and Michelle (Larry) Greene; his grandchildren Stephanie and Ben Wraith, Ross Dillingham, John, Dorothy, Lizzy and Mark Van Oppen, and Tiffany, Patrick and Rosie Griffus; and his great grandchildren Donavin, Haley, Alex, and Alissa.

A service in Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 3:00 on Friday, February 20, 2009 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave. SE, Bellevue, with a gathering to follow. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Henry Kaplan Research Fund (Swedish Cancer Institute), 1221 Madison St., Suite 200, Seattle.

9 Responses to “Robert “Bob” Wraith”

  • Megan Karch says:

    We were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing and are thinking of your entire family during this tough time.

  • Gary Stanley says:

    I am sadden by this news, and I hope that the Wraith family is coping as best as possible.

    Mr Wraith came into my life when I was eight or nine years old. He was assisting Mr Talmadge coaching my first little league baseball team, the “Yankees”, and Steve was a part of the team. We were little guys.

    Years later, he came back into my life as a football coach and mentor at Renton High School. I see him now, pointing out how to maintain leverage on a blocker, and forcing the play back into the middle of the field. He took time with me, and encouraged me.

    I am grateful for my short timespans with him. I am grateful that I saw him this past April at Coach Heck’s memorial.

    With all my respects — gary

  • Deborah Knutson says:

    Dearest Signe,

    We were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a wonderful man whose friendship meant the world to Jerry in his last years. The SK class of ’51 truly was special, as attested to by their long enduring friendships.

    Bob left you with a lifetime of wonderful memories to cherish and hold dear. And while we know how much much Bob will be missed, we also know that those same memories and his love will carry you through.

    God keep you, Signe…

    All our love,

    Darlene Knutson & family
    Anacortes WA

  • Chris Creager says:

    My sympathy goes to the family of Mr. Wraith. I had him as a teacher many, many years ago and always enjoyed being in his class. My thoughts are with the family.

  • Liz Tannahill says:

    Dear Signe and Family,
    Just want you to know what a special lady you are and I will be thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. I’m so glad Joyce can come down and be with you as you did for her with Kenny’s passing. Take care…

  • Loren and Donna says:

    Dear Signe, Steve, Shannon and Michelle,
    Bob is a person who has made our world a brighter, better place. We shared good times and laughter through the years. It has been a pleasure to be his friend and we have many, loving and lasting memories that we will always treasure. Bob will truly be missed.

  • Nate Kiehn says:

    Coach Bob was a great coach and will be missed by the Rebels. Our sincere condolences to the family.

  • Shelley Nordlund & Randy Jones says:

    Dear Signe & family,
    Our Husky brunch will never be the same without Bob holding his place at the table. Please know that he’ll be missed by many, including your Husky football friends. He was a role model for many as a coach, teacher, & friend.
    We hope you’ll call & meet for lunch soon, Signe!
    Your friends,
    Shelley & Randy

  • Pat Auten says:

    I worked with Bob while we were both part of the Renton School District. He was teaching driver’s education and we use to always tease him about the orange cones he put around his desk. Maybe he did that because it was all woman in the office except him. Please know Signe that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayer. May happy memories sustain you in the coming months.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Pat Auten

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