Bob Savage

Bobby Bruce Savage, aka Bob, 93, passed away Jan. 28, 2015, at his home in Mesa, Ariz. He was born Sept. 20, 1921, in La Conner, Wash., to John and Nelly Wallace Savage.

Bob grew up in the Seattle area, along with his only sibling, Ted, who preceded him in death in 2001. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1940. Shortly after high school, he joined the U.S. military and served in Berlin, Germany. He first served in the Air Force and transferred to active duty in the Army. He served in the military reserves from 1946 through 1953. Bob was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Upon honorable discharge from the military in January 1944, he pursued higher education, first at Seattle Pacific College, in Washington, and earned his degree in psychology, as well as pre-dental prerequisites for subsequent enrollment in the St. Louis University School of Dentistry, where he earned his doctorate of dental surgery. He taught psychology at the University of Washington while waiting to set up a private dental practice. He also set up several dental clinics in public health in the Seattle area (one being in a prison) before setting up his private practice in 1955.

He met and married Charlotte Rena Miller in 1941, who preceded him in death in 1976. She was the mother of six children. He is also preceded in death by his oldest son, John, in 2013.

He married Marian Capela Colonel Feb. 14, 1981, in Langley, Wash. In 1984 Dr. Bob carried the Olympic torch in Seattle 1.25 miles for the 1984 Summer Olympics. He and Marian moved to Mesa in January 2001 to enjoy retirement in a more ideal climate.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marian; stepdaughters, Rachelle Starr and Elissa Leighton; four step-grandchildren; son, Rory Savage of Ellensburg, Wash; daughters Steffi Davis, Jennifer Burnell, Jill Litwiller and Becky Savage of Seattle; 22 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at Central Christian Church.

A viewing was held 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Sonoran Skies Mortuary, 5650 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85205.