Robert Gordon Warnock

Robert “Bob” Gordon Warnock passed away April 18, 2015, at Home Place in Oak Harbor, Wash., after a long, active life. He was born June 5, 1935, in Seattle, the only child of Robert L. and Marion Warnock.

Bob graduated from Oroville High School in 1953 and attended the University of Washington, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He married his first wife, Lynn, in the early 1960s. After serving for a short time in the U.S. Air Force, he had a successful 31-year career with the United States Postal Service in both the Seattle area and later Clinton, where he retired as the post master in September 1992.

After a ”whirlwind” courtship, Bob married Noreen Furman in October of 1980. They made their home in Langley, where he was active in the South Whidbey Lion’s Club, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, and several community bands and choirs. He enjoyed both singing and playing the saxophone, clarinet and organ.

After retiring, Bob and Noreen traveled throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe in search of history, culture and adventure. Their favorite place in the world was Rockaway Beach in Oregon, where they traveled several times each year to hear the sound of the ocean. They moved to Oak Harbor in 2004, where Bob continued his participation in community bands and was active in the Whidbey Presbyterian Church.

Bob was known for his sense of humor and passion for sports, especially rooting for the Huskies and Mariners. Above all, his family was his greatest treasure. He is survived by his wife of almost 35 years, Noreen; his son, Robert G. Warnock II; his stepchildren, Lorena Gabelein (Albert) and J. Christopher Burns; his beloved three grandchildren, Julie Bianchi (John), Jennifer Gabelein and Steven Gabelein. He was particularly excited about the recent arrival of his great-granddaughter, Aila Bianchi.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Whidbey Presbyterian Church, 1148 S.E. Eighth Ave., Oak Harbor. Donations may be made to the Whidbey Presbyterian Church in his name. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.