Robert R LaRue

LaRue, Robert Roland, age 82 of Spokane, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 25, 2012. Bob was born on December 19, 1929 in Central Falls, RI to Arsene Josepha and Rosamond Butaye LaRue. He was a military man who served in the 1st Regiment, Company “M” of the RI State Guard, The US Navy aboard the USS Catamount, the USS Huntington and the USS Missouri. After 5 years in the Navy, Bob joined the US Air Force and served nearly 23 years as an Intelligence Specialist. He served his country with great pride during WW II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Bob received many medals and commendations for his exemplary service. Like his father before him, Bob had an entrepreneurial spirit. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob had a successful career as a small business owner. He founded Focus Magazine and Spokane Security Police, which he ran for more than a decade before retiring and moving to Oroville, WA. In Oroville he opened and operated Zebra Sports, a sports apparel business and then finally, The Messenger, a Christian bookstore. He loved the independence of working for himself and doing his own thing. Aside from his family, his most defining characteristic was his generosity and giving spirit. He volunteered with many organizations and gave freely of his time. He served many years as a long term care Ombudsman, as a member of the Juvenile Justice Community Accountability Board, as President of the American Society of Industrial Security, as President of the Spokane Americans Youth Hockey Association, and he was a driving force behind the Spokane Police Memorial. Bob was an avid sports fan who loved hockey and followed his childhood teams including the Boston Bruins, Boston Red Sox as well as the Mariners and Seahawks with great passion. Bob was married to the love of his life, Jacqueline Tonovitz, on July 27, 1957 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Cleveland, OH. They spent 55 beautiful years together and are the proud and loving parents of 5 children. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Arthur J. LaRue, Madeline M. Walker, Muriel M. Vassett, Claire LaRue and Barbara McArdle. He is survived by his loving wife Jackie, his 5 children, Denny LaRue (Lainey), Ron LaRue, Jackie Anderson, Jim LaRue and Brad LaRue. He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. Ryan, Jordan, Christopher, Michelle, Taelor, Seth, Caleb, Lyndsey, Jessica, Cameron, Isaiah, Hanna, Bobby, Riley, Aubrey, AJ, Evan, Emma, Haley and Connor. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A Full Military burial with a private family service will be held at the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery on Friday October 5th. A memorial service and celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday October 5th at 1:00 p.m at the Family of Faith Community Church, 702 W. Nora, with Pastor Danny Green officiating. A reception will follow the service until 6:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 302 E. Boone. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s honor and memory to Spokane Americans Youth Hockey Scholarship Fund (6321 N. Addison, Spokane, 99208) or to VOA’s Crosswalk Homeless Teen Shelter (525 W. 2nd Ave, Spokane, 99201). The family of Robert LaRue wishes to extend our thanks the nurses and staff of Sacred Heart Medical Center and a special thank you to Dr. Michael Metcalf and Dr. Braden Batkoff and their staffs. Rest In Peace Pops….we love and miss you