Robert Mac Laren Smythe

Robert “Bob” Smythe loved the beauty of the Northwest. It is no coincidence that he spent his last day looking at the serenity of the San Juan Islands from Blakely Island Marina, where he died on Friday, April 3, 2009, aboard his boat, the Island Star. Robert Mac Laren Smythe was born on December 22, 1931 in Seattle, Washington to Ralph and Dagne Vaughn Smythe. His early childhood days were spent in Port Angeles where he graduated from high school in 1949. He married Luella Joy in 1953.Bob proudly served as a Captain in the United States Army stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict. Following the service, he attended the University of Washington and was initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon in 1950, receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1956 and his Law Degree in 1959. With a keen legal mind and nobility of his principles, he embarked upon a 50 year career as an attorney. While managing an active firm he was elected and served as Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Auburn. He also served with the State of Washington Superior Court, the Western District Court of Washington, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the US Supreme Court.Bob was affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Pierce and King County Bar Association, and the University of Washington Alumni. Bob pursued his passion to fly and became a licensed pilot and also acquired his beloved second home on Blakely Island. The Island Star served his life long quest to learn and grow in God’s country. He attached great importance to enjoying family, friends, and pets with generosity, gratitude, and humor.Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Luella Joy in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Gail; sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Kim Smythe of Sumner WA, Craig and LeeAnn of Kent, WA; daughter, Stacey Smythe of Lake Tapps, WA; grandchildren, Robert, Tyler, Kendrick, Gary, Katelyn and Ryan; and his latest adorable Dachsunds, Schatzie and Max.Visitation will be held from noon – 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H Street, NE, in Auburn, WA. A funeral service will follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Greg Kaurin officiating. A reception will then be held at the Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 – 136th Avenue SE, Kent, WA. Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at Fernhill Cemetery in Anacortes, WA.Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Bob please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.209790