Robert (Bob) Edward Bears

Robert (Bob) Edward Bears

Aug. 26, 1952 - June 11, 2020

RICHLAND, Wash. — Robert (Bob) Edward Bears, 67, of Richland, passed away on June 11, 2020. He was born Aug. 26, 1952, to Robert John and Sally Jo (Rumiser) Bears. He grew up in McCall, Idaho, graduating in 1970 from McCall Donnelly High School. Upon retirement, he returned to college at Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte, Mont., graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering.

He served in the United States Navy from 1970-1976, stationed the full enlistment in Tacoma, Wash. He was a Boiler Tech on the USS Uhlmann, USS Brinkley Bass and the USS Orleck. and was honorably discharged on Aug. 27, 1976, one day after his 24th birthday.

He married Peggy Hendrickson and later divorced. He married Mary Berg Brunswick of Indianola, Neb., on Feb. 6, 1981, in Haines, Alaska.

He managed the water and wastewater treatment plants in Haines, Alaska for seven years, then moved to Kenai, Alaska, and managed the wastewater treatment facility there until his retirement. He was awarded Large Wastewater Operator of the year for the State of Alaska in 1993, and also Small Wastewater Treatment Operator of the year for the State of Alaska in 1993. He was one of only three men in the State of Alaska to hold Level IV Water and Wastewater Treatment Licenses.

He was a member of DAV, Disabled American Veterans.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Robert and Lorette Berg; brother, Tom; and granddaughter, Shelby.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, James (Jenni) Bears, John Bears, and Jacob (Teresa) Bears; step-children, Jennifer (Jim) Bears and Scott (Dana) Brunswick; grandchildren, Jennifer, Bridget, Coral, Scout, Heidi, Jacob, Wyatt and Sawyer; one sister; brothers and sisters-in law; and much extended family.

A date for a memorial service will be determined later after the Covid-19 lockdown. His ashes will be kept by his wife to be interred with her upon death. Memorials can be given in his name to the family with a recipient to be selected.

Einans Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.