August 18, 1927 - March 05, 2016
Robert Lee Ostrander Obituary (Age 88) On Saturday, March 5, 2016 Bob Ostrander, 88, passed through to meet his Lord and reconnect with his Mom & Dad, older brother �Baby� Ostrander, younger sister Arlene and of course the love of his life Mary. Those who know him, knew a smart, yet humble man, who lived life full, embraced love passionately, was an incredible and engaging story teller and of course laughed hard, joyfully and as often as possible. Especially true when he was one on one, with his any of his grandchildren or great grandchildren. Bob was born August 18, 1927 to Edward and Kathy Ostrander of Chewelah, WA and lived in a few places over the years, including Tenzin China, as a US Marine, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a State Sales Manager for an insurance company. However, he spent most of his life living in Spokane. As a young boy, he loved to hunt and shoot. At age 17, Bob joined the US Marines. Because of his dead aim, he was instantly recognized by the Marines as an Expert Marksman and taking full advantage of those skills, was assigned to the Pacific Area. His Marine division was sent to China in September of 1945, where they helped that nation free itself from Japanese occupation. Shortly after his Honorable Discharge from the Marines, Bob met and married Betty Loraine Bennett of Colville and together brought three sons into the world. Robert (Kathy) Ostrander, Timothy (Stacy) Ostrander, and James (Pam) Ostrander. Bob spent 16 years as a Spokane City Police officer, holding various positions including the Motorcycle Division and ending his police career as a Licensing Inspector. Slightly before leaving his role as a police officer, he divorced his first wife and then went to work as a car salesman. In 1964, he met and married his second wife Mary. After all of their children grew up, Bob directed his energies towards the insurance industry. He was an Agent, a Sales Manager, and the Sales Director for the State of Iowa, before choosing to move back home and become an Independent Agent. Blessed with an undeniable amount of charm and wit, a keen appreciation for people and the unique ability to instantly connect with both young children and most any animal, Bob often appeared to be the youngest thinking person in the room. Bob is survived by his three sons and their families, as well as three of his four stepchildren, Marlene (Dave) McPherson, Mary Lou (Peter) Zografos, and Edward (Linda) Stewart. Bob will also be very fondly remembered by all, including his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends as well. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Kathy Ostrander, older brother �Baby� Ostrander, younger sister Arlene Erickson, stepdaughter Lana Cole, step granddaughter Jamie Stewart-Cady and his wife of 47 years Mary Ostrander. He was also preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles, school classmates, fallen comrades, Spokane Police officers and many other dear friends. Graveside Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 8th - 11:15am at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery - 21702 W. Espanola Rd. Medical Lake, WA. Phone (509) 299-6280. Attendance at his service is welcome, or condolences may be given online at www.heritagefunerals.com. A Heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Spokane who provided tender care to Bob in his time of need. If donations are desired, please make them Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210 in the name of Robert Ostrander. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events MAR 5
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