October 17, 1948 – September 6, 2023
On Monday, September 6th, 2023, Robert Vernon Bouck Jr (Bob, Bobby) passed away at the age of 74. Born October 17th, 1948 to Irene Black and Robert Vernon Bouck Sr. at Forks Hospital.
He lived an idyllic life growing up in La Push until 6th grade. He loved life in La Push as a child. His whole world was within walking distance. From playing hooky with his best friend and uncle Sherman Black to having his house flooded and having relatives paddle a canoe right up to the door, it was all “golden” to Bob.
Sixth grade brought the move to Bainbridge Island. Life on a small isolated farm was difficult for Bob. A year or so later his grief was compounded in 1961, he lost his mother in a car crash. His father rapidly remarried, adding a brother, making him the eldest of 8 children.
Scouting helped make life tolerable. At the age of 16, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. His father and his two grandsons also made Eagle! Bob then enlisted in the Navy in 1966 at the age of 17. He trained and served as a Radioman on the USS Fort Marion. He was Honorably Discharged in 1969.
He then returned to La Push with his first wife Darlene. There he volunteered as Scout Leader, Community Action Director, and Liaison to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. His first son Scott Bouck passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. He then moved to Oregon to go to college to train as a machinist. Bob then welcomed his son Brian Bouck, then two years later welcomed another son, Evan Bouck. After 30 years his marriage to Darlene ended.
Several years later he met Willa while working at Boeing. Courting Willa involved Bob stepping out of his comfort zone – including far too many roller coasters and surviving the rambunctious Norgen Family. Marrying Willa added Bill and Jenny Hatt to his family. Due to cutbacks at Boeing, Bob and Willa decided to move to La Push. He then worked in maintenance at Quileute Health Clinic until retirement.
During retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Willa such as trips to Crazy Horse, Hawaii, and Australia. He also took up Ham/shortwave radio and used his skills for emergency communications. He also took up singing and drumming in Quileute. He felt that returning to La Push and being welcomed home was just wonderful.
His greatest joy was spending time with Willa, his children and grandchildren. Walks to the beach and post office became coveted time to spend with Boompa or grandpa Bob. He will be dearly missed by his wife Willa, children Brian and Evan, Bill, and Jenny, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
There will be a service on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1 PM at the Akalat Center in La Push.
