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Robert F. Armstrong

October 11, 1934 - October 28, 2015

Robert F. Armstrong Obituary Robert Frank Armstrong, 81, passed peacefully with family by his side on October 28, 2015 at Avalon Care Center in Spokane, WA. Robert was born on October 11, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to Francis Elmer Armstrong and Evelyn Violet Hittenger. He is survived by his brother Ronald G. Armstrong-72 and wife Michiko-75 of Parker, CO. His half-brother Ross A. Armstrong-64 of Clearwater, FL. His children: Rick A. Armstrong-58 of Post Falls, ID; Renee C. Griffith-53 and husband James F. Griffith-55 of Lake Jackson, TX; Russell D. Armstrong-51 and wife Laura Armstrong-52 of Nine Mile Falls, WA. His five grandchildren: Brenden J. Griffith-28, Sean M. Armstrong-25, Kristopher N. Griffith-23, Caitlin B. Armstrong-18, Evan T. Armstrong-17 and his beloved dog Sadie-6. He is proceeded in death by his parents; wife Barbara D. Armstrong-75 and daughter Robyn B. Armstrong-55. Robert married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Dean Weiland, on August 27, 1955 in Crown Point, IN. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1958 with a Bachelor�s degree in Architecture. Robert and Bobbie lived in La Crosse, WI; Munster, IN; and Griffith, IN. They moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1964 where they spent the next 16 years raising their 4 children. Robert worked as an architect for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque before leaving to open his own architectural firm. His greatest achievement and legacy, which still exists in Albuquerque today, is a wine barrel shaped restaurant he designed called, The Cooperage. In 1980 the Armstrong family moved to Las Vegas, NV and in 1982 to Escondido, CA where Robert worked as a CQC for C.E. Wylie Construction until he retired in 1997. In 1998 he and Bobbie moved to Spokane, WA to be close to their son Russ, daughter-in-law Laura, and 3 of their grandchildren. Their final move was in 2007 to Nine Mile Falls, WA to live in a modular home on their son Russ� property. After Bobbie passed in 2010, Bob remained in their home where he was looked after by his son and family until moving to Avalon Care Center in Spokane, WA in 2014. Robert, aka, �Big Bad Bob� (as he liked to call himself) always loved math and structural design which was the perfect fit for a lifelong career in Architecture. He held Architectural licenses in 13 states and practiced his profession for over 40 years. Robert also loved teaching and taught classes in Architecture in Albuquerque, NM at TVI and then again at Palomar Community College in San Marcos, CA. Bob was an active member in numerous groups and organizations over the years beginning in high school where he served as class Treasurer on the student council, and team manager for the Varsity football and basketball teams. After high school he served on the city council in Griffith, IN. He was also an active Civitan member for many years in Albuquerque. The volunteer job which gave him and his family the most pleasure for 8 years was as a tour guide for the annual Albuquerque Luminaria Tour on Christmas Eve. After moving to Spokane, WA both Bob and Bobbie were active members in the Unitarian Church where they served on the Pastoral Care Team for over 6 years. Bob also loved his many years as a volunteer at the Spokane Cop Shop. He received numerous awards for his dedication and hours of commitment to the program. Bob was an active member of the Lake Spokane Chamber of Commerce for several years when they moved to Nine Mile Falls, WA. Robert had a lifelong passion for writing and wrote numerous poems and short stories over the years. In 2000 he wrote a short story, �Damn the Zipper-Full Dance Ahead�, that was published in an anthology, Satin Gloves and Other Surprises. He also worked on two novels, �The Perfect Candidate� and �The Clich� Murders� which unfortunately he did not have a chance to complete due to his declining health. Robert�s greatest and most treasured moments were spent with his beloved wife Bobbie, whom he was married to for almost 55 years. In the end, and after five years apart, Bob left the physical boundaries of this earth to be reunited again with her in heaven. Rest in Peace dad knowing how much your family loves you. You will be remembered in our hearts forever. A �Celebration of Life� service will be held at the Unitarian-Universal Church of Spokane on Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 PM at 4340 W. Fort Wright Drive in Spokane, WA. A private family gathering to place Bob�s ashes next to his wife Bobbie�s will be held in the Memorial Garden following the service and reception. In lieu of flowers

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