Robert “Bob” Raplee passed away at his Lynden home on Sunday, Sept. 3. He was known for his great sense of humor, and in love and with tons of respect was called Jarhead and Redneck.
Bob was born Aug. 24, 1937 to Robert and Sarah (Maye) Raplee at home in Ferndale. His birth parents divorced when he was 2 years old and he and his sister Delores were fostered to Adolph and Bertha Wasel. Bob always considered them to be his true parents. At the same time, Bob had an older sister Shirley who didn’t want to be fostered, learned to live independently, and worked for many Ferndale farmers.
Bob was a 1955 graduate from Bellingham High School.
Bob married Merrilee Sharp on Aug. 26, 1956 at Garden Street Methodist Church in Bellingham, putting down lifelong Whatcom County roots.
Bob was proud of his service in the Marine Corps at Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina from 1959 to 1962.
For a short time Bob worked at Sears, then went on to a career with Georgia Pacific Pulp Mill as a tow motor driver. He served as president of the 309 Pulp and Paper Workers Union.
Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, and boating in the San Juan Islands. He was a Northwest rifle league aggregate expert class one. Bob volunteered at Laurel Fire Station 69 as a fire fighter, and with Search and Rescue saving numerous lives off of Mount Baker. He hiked to the top of Mt. Baker twice in his lifetime.
Robert is survived by his children, Rochelle Foster (Jay) and Robert Raplee (Jolene); grandchildren Chrey Nelson (Craig); great-granddaughters Mackenzie and Aubree, sister Shirley Waters, and many nieces and nephews, whom he all loved.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Merrilee Raplee in 2004, sister Dolores Markwood in 2021, parents Adolph and Bertha Wasel, and his beloved and severely spoiled cat Junior.
The graveside service will be Saturday, Sept. 23 at noon at Lakeside Cemetery, Lynden. All are welcome.
Memorials donations are suggested to the Marine Corps league c/o American Legion Post 7, 1688 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226.
Bob always enjoyed a good cup of coffee in the morning and a stiff rum and Coke at night.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
