Lynden Fire Chief Robert Charles Spinner Jr., while on duty, suffered a heart attack jogging and later passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the age of 50. He was known for being loyal to his family and fire department, having integrity and honesty with the ability to motivate and inspire others in his love of firefighting.
Robert was born in Hudson, New York, on Feb. 16, 1967 to Robert Sr. and Shirley (Jewett) Spinner and was joined by his younger brother Russell. Robert graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in 1985 and right away joined the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, he learned how to work on and build engines for the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler. He served in Guam and Naval Air Station Whidbey.
While at Whidbey, he met his wife Tammy Farris and they were later married on Aug. 13, 1991. Together they have two children, Austin and Emma.
Robert loved spending time with his family, riding ATVs at Oak Harbor Motor Cross, and attending car and truck meets with his children. He enjoyed customizing his many different trucks, but his favorite was his current Chevy. He was a mentor to many young people in firefighting and in the car and truck show community.
After his discharge from the Navy, Chief Spinner began his 28-year firefighting career by first volunteering at the North Whidbey Cornet Bay Fire Station in 1989, then was hired as a federal firefighter serving at NAS Whidbey Island. He continued on to Arizona’s Tonopah Valley Fire Department and to Rock Hill Fire Department in South Carolina, then back to Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue in Coupeville, then the Rural/Metro Fire Department in Scottsdale, Arizona. He served his last six years at the Lynden Fire Department where he became chief three months ago.
Robert is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tammy; children Austin (Megan) of Glendale, Arizona, and Emma of the family home; mother Shirley Spinner; brother Russell (Tracy) Spinner and their two children, Alex Robert Charles and Emily; mother-in-law Gerri Izzo; and his numerous friends and family in the firefighting community.
Chief Spinner will be honored with a full Washington State Fire Fighter Honor Guard at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 22, in the Expo Building of the Northwest Washington Fairgounds, 1775 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264.
Memorials are suggested to the Lynden Firefighters Association, 215 Fourth St., Lynden, WA 98264.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
