Bob was born in Seattle, Wash., to Christinee and Warren Burrier.
The youngest of their children, Bob gained valuable skills living on the homestead, as Warren’s right-hand man mending fences, caring for cattle and operating farm equipment.
We would call him our very own MacGyver.
His sincere love and devotion to the family’s farm, and of Whidbey Island was cemented early on and endured for his entire 69 years of life.
He enjoyed conversation with his fun-loving sense of humor and infectious laugh.
Bob’s farming commitment extended to help other local farmers in need.
He continued to be generous with his gifts, resources and time. He was fiercely independent, dedicated to solving problems, collecting treasures and creating time to brew beer, making wine; pressing apples for apple cider; and baking family recipes.
Bob enjoyed sharing his goodies with the ones he loved.
He was a graduate of Langley High School in 1967. Recently, Bob mentioned how he enjoyed connecting with his fellow classmates during the Langley High School 50th reunion.
Bob served in the United States Naval Reserve — Seabees as a steelworker, in Okinawa, Japan and Treasure Island, San Francisco, Calif. We continue to be proud of his service to our country and the freedom we cherish today.
In the spring of 1978, Bob traveled to Juneau, Alaska. He had a commercial hand trolling license for his 22-foot Calkins Bartender Boat. Bob returned to the island that summer to put up the hay, and once that was done, returned to Juneau to finish the fishing season, sold the boat and returned to the island.
He worked at Boeing Everett Plant in the interior fabrication shop before and after his service in the Military.
When he returned home to Whidbey Island, he purchased property from his grandparents. In 1976, he began his community work with Senior Services of Island County.
He served until 2015, cheerfully delivering meals to home-bound seniors, handling building maintenance, cleaning, kitchen work, event support and north deliveries to Oak Harbor.
He enjoyed physical work and gladly took the tasks other people didn’t want, as he liked the challenge and being a supportive part of the team.
After some hard work around the homestead, Bob developed a septic infection that he couldn’t recover from.
He peacefully went to heaven, as family surrounded him, telling stories — and feeling entirely blessed by the beautiful experience.
Bob is survived by his older sister, MaryJane (William) Donohoe, and his twin brother, George (Terri) Burrier; niece, Christina (Kenneth) Kitchens; nephew, Mike (Katie) Donohoe and Jesse (Sara) Burrier; grand nephews Bryce (Brandi) Kitchens, Tyler (McKenzie) Kitchens, Maelcolm Donohoe, Kameron (Leah) Donohoe, Michael (Jesse) Burrier; and grand niece, Odessa (Danny) Donohoe; and great-grand nephew, Graysen Thompson-Kitchens (Bryce).
He was preceded in death by parents Warren and Chrissey Burrier and his nephew, Patrick (MaryJane and William) Donohoe.
MaryJane and George are hosting a celebration of Bob’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Freeland Hall. Please join us and share your special stories and memories of Bob.
Please post your stories and videos on Bob’s celebration of life event FB link: https://www.facebook.com/events/ 2631543640196233/
Pass along this obit to those who might have a story about Bob.
Thank you in advance for your sharing.
