Robert Francis Armstrong

On August 13, 2012, our father, Robert Francis Armstrong, passed away at his West Richland home. Born in Jerusalem, New York on November 11, 1929 to LeRoy Armstrong and Margaret Bennett Armstrong, and raised in Penn Yan and Bluff Point, New York. He attended Penn Yan High School, where he met his high school sweet heart, Barbara, whom he was reacquainted with some fifty years later and was married to these last nine years. Bob enjoyed playing sports during high school, especially basketball, which he played for many years.

Bob was the youngest of six children. His older siblings, all deceased were LeRoy Armstrong, Paul Armstrong, Jack Armstrong, Ann Marshall, and Louise Armstrong.

In 1948, just prior to graduating, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he was stationed in several locations including Presque Isle, Maine. He continued his service in the Air Force where he was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Spokane, Washington. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1953.

During an evening out at the Coeur d'Alene Hotel, he met Pat Johnson, a young nursing student. That moment changed their lives forever as they were married on May 29th, 1953, a marriage which lasted for fifty years.

After his service, Bob moved to Richland, where he worked on the Hanford project and then to Yakima where he worked on his Business degree from Central Washington College. After receiving his degree, he started a collections business, which lasted for a few years. He then began his life long career in medical management as the Financial Manager for the Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

Bob and Pat spent those early years enjoying the outdoors, both camping and fishing together. In1957, they had their first son, Michael Robert, who survives both his parents. His other two surviving sons are, William Scott, born in 1958, and Eric John, born in 1965. Bob continued to treat his family to camping and fishing trips during their childhood.

In 1967, Bob moved his family to Wenatchee where he took a position as the Assistant Administrator for the Wenatchee Valley Clinic. It was here that he found his passion for golf. In 1969 he moved to Richland where he assumed the Administrator position at the Richland Clinic.

Bob became a leader in the medical and business community. He was active in the Rotary Club, where he served as president of the Richland Rotary in 1981-1982.

Bob tried his hand at property development and then took over the Financial Manager position of La Clinica, where he finished his career in 1994. In retirement, he traveled, played golf, and spent time with his many grandchildren.

His wife, Pat, passed away in January 2003. The best way for honoring their long relationship, was through his need for companionship again. He searched for and found his high school sweet heart, Barbara, who was living in Florida. Their relationship blossomed quickly and they were married on August 1, 2003. For the first few months they lived in Mount Dora, Florida and then moved to West Richland in 2004. They kept busy golfing, bowling, and spending time with family for most of those years. Few men are lucky enough to find the woman of their dreams once. Bob was blessed to twice.

Bobs surviving family includes wife, Barbara Ballard Armstrong, sons Mike and his wife Renee of Walla Walla, Scott and his wife Patty of Richland and their daughter Sierra her husband Nichoulas and their daughter Adelynn, and Eric and his wife Brenda of Prosser, and their daughters Tiffani, Hannah, and Erica, and sons, Brandon, Ryan, and Jordan. Bob had a knack for corny jokes, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. When asked where they get their dry sense of humor, they can definitely trace it back their Dad and Grandpa!

A celebration of Bob's live will be held at the Richland Community Center Activity Room, on Saturday, August 18th at 6 PM.