Robert Walter Leigh

Robert Walter Leigh was born on May 17, 1940 in Seattle WA. He was the son of Ruth and Richard Leigh. He attended Christ the King Grade School, Blanchet High School; where he was Student Body President and a member of the first graduating class of 1958. He attended the University of San Francisco.

Bob started his 40 year retail career at Pennys in downtown Seattle. He moved his family to Portland in 1965 to become the manager of Nordstrom Best at Lloyd Center. In 1969 he moved his family back to Seattle and became the manager of The Bon Marche, Northgate. He retired in 1999 as the Executive Vice President-Director of Stores for The Bon Marche.

Bob was very active in the Seattle community. He was a member of the Downtown Seattle Association, Poncho, Seattle Archdiocese Board, Rotary, Blanchet and St. Luke Finance Committees, Northwest and Providence Hospital Boards.

As a 45 year parishioner of St. Cecelia on Bainbridge Island, he was a member of the Finance Committee and St. Vincent de Paul.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Roberta (Bourgette) Leigh in 1960. They had 8 children; Steve (Pam), Jennifer, Christina (Adam), David (Lynne), Colleen (Grant), Mary, Michael and John. He had 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Fr. David Leigh SJ.

Bob was a true family man. He loved family vacations and celebrations. He loved attending his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts and graduations. He was known as the “Baby Whisperer” as he could easily calm a crying grand/great grandchild down. He loved to golf, and the highlight was a round with Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. He was an avid walker with the Bainbridge walking group. His summers were spent on his boat towing his grandchildren over the water’s wake.

Predeceased by his parents, his sister Jenifer and his infant son, John.

Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association; Esterman Conference St. Vincent de Paul- St. Cecelia Parish; Sacred Heart Jesuit Community, Los Gatos CA

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 27 th at 11:00, St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Bainbridge Island WA

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA