Robert George Gaines

Robert George Gaines Bob Gaines was born to Archie and Ruth Gaines on March 20, 1943 in Tacoma, WA. He died on March 10, 2014 in Lakewood, WA. He attended Franklin Pierce Schools and Bates Technical College. He worked as a painting foreman for several companies in the area and this work took him to a number of different states. Bob married Linda (nee Bruns) at First Presbyterian Church of Everson, WA (Whatcom County) on July 2, 1966, after they met in Missoula, Montana. In December of 1967 their first daughter Gina was born, followed by Claudia in October of 1970. Bob was a loving father and provided many experiences and lots of fun for the family. Their house and acreage in Midland was remodeled and improved by all his labor and he enjoyed mowing the large lawn, feeding the ducks in the pond, and painting the house many times. Bob was very generous with his painting skills; neighbors and family were given this gift. He also painted the buildings of the two Tacoma churches (Westminster PC and Bethany PC) where he was a member. He loved all the cats of the family, especially Louie who survives him. His garden became important as he was forced to stop working and he especially loved the bulbs and shrubs he planted and enjoyed. Bob loved classic country music, the Seattle Mariners, and television game shows. Highlights of his life were trips with Linda to Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and Alaska was a favorite state to work in. He was thrilled when his daughters found wonderful men to marry and at the birth of three grandsons. They remember how he liked to tease them. Sons-in-law are Ed Sharp and Chris Liebsch, grandsons are Robert Sharp, Max Sharp and Donavan Liebsch. Surviving brothers are Ron Feller, Don (Norene) Feller and Larry Feller. Nieces are Teresa, Virginia, Misty, Janet, Deborah, Renee, and Ronna. Nephews are Don Jr,, Scott, Toby, and Rocky. The family is thankful for Bethany Presbyterian Church friends, in particular Bob's friend Coy. Many others have made the time of illness and death so much easier to bear. A memorial service will be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 4220 N. 41st Street, Tacoma, WA at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014. A reception will follow at the church. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity.