Robert "Bob" L. Van Zee

VAN ZEE, Robert L. – Passed away in Spokane, WA, on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. He was born at home in Chariton, Iowa, to Lester and Eathel Van Zee on June 8, 1939. After graduating from Chariton High School, he spent 6 years in the Navy. Upon completion of his military service, Robert attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, for two years and then graduated from the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa, with a B.S. Degree---majoring in Occupational Therapy. He later received his M.A. degree in Public Administration from E.W.U. in Cheney, WA. In 1965, he married Veda Beem of Chariton, Iowa. Together they raised four boys, Mark, Matthew, Eric, and Michael. They moved to Spokane, WA, where he spent twenty-eight years working for the Veterans Administration care system. During his lifetime Robert helped with the Boy Scouts, church youth groups and Special Olympics. He also devoted his time, energy and talents to the Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite Bodies, and the El Katif Shriners. A Past Master of Temple Lodge #42 in Cheney, WA, Robert was elected and served as The Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington in 2001-2002. In addition to his varied service, Robert enjoyed traveling and exploring the Western United States by backpacking with his sons and later by traveling with Veda in their R.V. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Eathel Van Zee. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Veda Van Zee; his four sons, Mark (wife, Dina), Matt, Eric, and Mike; granddaughters, Ashley, Sydney, Riley, Mackenzie, and XiXi; his sister, Margaret Jo Foderberg and her husband, Dennis Foderberg; a sister-in-law, Gayle Halferty; two nieces and three nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W. Ft. George Wright Dr, Spokane, WA, on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. It was his wish that instead of flowers, contributions be made to the Spokane Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Department or to the Scottish Rite Speech Program.