Robert “Bob” Reeve Rule May 18, 1931 - August 3, 2018

Robert “Bob” Reeve Rule of Monroe, Washington, departed this earth on August 3, 2018. He was born on May 18, 1931 in Bellingham, WA to Paul and Hazel Rule.

He grew up in North Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1949. He joined the Coast Guard on December 21, 1950. He attended Engineman School in Groton, CT, graduating 5th in a class of 63. He was honorably discharged in December 22, 1953.

In 1957 he married Mary Allison “Sunny” Mcllraith, with whom he had four children: Peggy, Kathleen, David and Larry.

After parting with Allison he met the love of his life, JoAnn Dryden Woodall, at Parents Without Partners. They married on August 12, 1966. Their children are celebrating 52 years of being a family.

Professionally, Bob took his artistic talent to Boeing where he was a tool designer. This was a time before there were computers to assist with the design and dimensions. After 30 years he retired from Boeing in 1990.

During the years when Boeing was experiencing challenges, Bob and JoAnn looked for an answer on how they were going to support seven children. In 1970 they developed a campground, “Thunderbird Park,” in Monroe, WA.  He planned and managed a water system that supplied water to the 41 sites of Thunderbird Terrace. After running the campground for 20 years, it was sold so that they could enjoy retirement.

Bob is preceded in death by is wife JoAnn, his parents Paul and Hazel, and his brother-in-law, Rod Dunn.

He is survived by his heartbroken children: Linda Sue Woodall, Margaret Birgen, Richard (Karen) Woodall, Kathleen Rule, David (Dianna) Rule, Larry (Lisa) Rule and Kathryn (Dan) Anderson.

He was known as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud:  Dia, Brad, Brandon, Casey, Villina, Ashley, Savannah, Andrea, Paul, Danielle, Tanner, Brooke, Kaylee, Jaden, Joshua, Mike, Samantha, Brodie, Steven and Jake.  Also, his great-grandchildren: Hazel, Julia, Emilia, Preston, Brooks, Judah, Jordan, Justice, Elizabeth, Evelynn, Peyton, Landon, Avery, Charlee, Johnny, Linda, Jada and Tykeysha.

His is also survived by his siblings, Rita Dunn and Margaret
(Butch) Ohlsen.

Memorials in Robert’s honor may be made to the Monroe Fire Department, Monroe Food Bank or the ASPCA.