Robert Louis Strachila, age 74, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at his home in Acme, WA with his family at his side. He was born April 1, 1942 in Bellingham, WA, the eldest son of 10 beloved children to Adolph and Florence (Miller) Strachila.
With cousins and family, Bob grew up on the Strachila family farm, graduating from Mount Baker High School in 1960. He attended Central Washington State College in Ellensberg, achieving his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1964.
Bob married Virginia Bass on September 7, 1963 in Lynden, WA, celebrating 53 years together. Bob and Virginia moved to Shelton, WA in 1965 where he began his lifelong career as a research chemist with I.T.T. Rayonier until his retirement in 1998. Bob was a key player in Rayonier’s Mobile Air Research Laboratory (MARLAB) development introduced in 1971, to measure and monitor air quality control for their facilities internationally. While living in Shelton, Bob, an active member of the Shelton Jaycees was honored with a JC International Senatorship in September, 1972. Through his service with the Jaycees, Bob was an active community member through endless hours of volunteerism. Many benefitted from his given time and support, from the youth Little League baseball and scouting groups, as well as the Mason County Recreation Association. Bob was an active member and on the board of St. Edwards Catholic Church.
Upon his retirement, Bob and Virginia returned to the South Fork Valley in Acme to enjoy closeness with family and friends. He continued giving his time to the community, volunteering as a respected softball coach for Mount Baker Schools and giving his educated experience as an active member of the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District, and the Acme/Van Zandt Subzone Committee. Bob relished fishing, working in his shop, reading, crossword puzzles, playing with his beloved cat Ellie, and loved his yard and gardening. But on Sundays, the family farm is where he was found–laughing, listening, and enjoying dinner with his treasured family and friends.
Bob is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Virginia; his adored daughter, Yvonne Newgard and her husband, Jerry Peterson of Van Zandt; 5 grandchildren, Janel Kollmar (Josh), Laura Newgard (Micah), Katie Newgard (Tyler), Lanay Newgard (Sal), and Briana Marks (Max); 4 great-grandchildren, Willow Marks, Joslyn Marks, Josephine Newgard, and Claire Kollmar; 8 devoted brothers and sisters, Helen Hannah (Butch) of Bellingham, Bernie Strachila (Cathy) of Mount Vernon, Maurice Strachila (Judy) of Clipper, David Strachila (Patsy) of Mount Vernon, Maryanne Akre of Bellingham, Steve Strachila (Lisa) of Clipper, Jim Strachila of Acme, and Liz Baisden (Rob) of Welcome; a sister-in-law, Heidi Strachila of Clipper and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Bass (Sherry Nelson) of Arcadia, Oklahoma, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Brian, his brother Ed, and Virginia’s parents Howard and Barbara Bass.
A Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 1:00PM at the Strachila Family Farm, South End, 2826 Valley Highway, Deming with Chuck Ruhl and Ray Hockett-Elder officiating. A private family inurnment service will be held at the Clipper Community Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Ed Strachila Scholarship Fund at any Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) branch.