On Oct. 10, 2018, the gates of heaven opened and our Lord welcomed Robert into his eternal home.
Robert Allen Jensen was born Dec. 16, 1945, in Bellingham to Martin (Harry) Jensen and Roberta (Vanden Hoek) Jensen. He lived his growing-up years in Lynden and graduated in 1964 from Lynden High School. Robert attended Skagit Community College, joined the Washington State National Guard and worked for Boeing a short time. After basic training he worked at USF&G as an insurance underwriter.
On July 12, 1969, he married Mary Lynn Baumgardner in Seattle. They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this past July. Six months after they were married, they moved to Kodiak, Alaska, where Robert managed an insurance agency. In 1972 they moved back to Seattle and then in 1973 came to Lynden where he resided for the last 45 years.
Robert worked as an insurance agent and owned and operated his own agency for 28 years. Robert was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Lynden for 45 years. He sang in the church’s choir for 40 years. Robert also sang for many years with Kings Men of Song. He was very active in Lynden sports from the time he was in high school to keeping basketball stats with Galen Cosler for 22 years. He coached City Church League and LYS girls baseball. He was a member of Lynden Alumni and Friends and worked on the bond issue for the new high school.
Robert enjoyed traveling, including trips to Mexico, Hawaii and Europe. His final road trip was in September 2017 to Bryce Canyon, Four Corners, Moab and Canyon Lands.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother Roberta, father Harry and stepmother Ruth.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters Sherra (Dean) Grasser and Leah (Craig) VanBeek; sons Doug (Megan) Jensen and Joe Jensen; grandchildren Tyler, Emmy, Camden, Annika, Carson and Lane, Leanna (Cory) Matter, Lance (Brynn) Drafs, Landon Munzanreder and Loren Munzanreder; great-grandchildren Lincoln, Sierra and Aly. He will be missed by brothers Merle (Sharon) Jensen and Warren (Charlotte) Jensen; uncle Ray (Alice) Jensen; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life with a Funeral Mass was held Sunday, Oct. 14, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lynden. Graveside was Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 in Greenwood Cemetery of Lynden.
Thank you to the entire staff at Silverado, administration, leadership and associates, who were so compassionate and lovingly cared for Robert the last 22 months. Thank you to Dr. Herdman, who helped us walk this journey with Robert and to all of our family and friends who have loved Robert and walked with us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Silverado Associates Holiday Fund, c/o Silverado Bellingham, 4400 Columbine Dr., Bellingham, WA 98226.
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online Guest Book at www.GilliesFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
