Robert J. Freyer was born on July 3, 1954, in Omak, Washington, to Dora Faye (Wilson) Freyer and Robert "Dusty" Freyer. He was the second of six children.
Robert and his siblings fondly recall raising bunnies, chickens, hogs and horses. They were always close, got into mischief, and still love to tell a story.
The family farmed while Dusty worked with horses, riding rodeo professionally until the children were older, and they settled in Central Washington.
Rob graduated from Grandview High School, where he ran track as a Greyhound. He went onto Washington State University and studied landscape architecture.
Shortly after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart Cheryl Ann Bass. The two then moved to Longview, Washington, and had three children Amy Marie (1981), Michael James (1984), and Kimberly Lynn (1986).
Professionally, Rob worked for a company that distributed tire store supplies, C & H Wholesale. He eventually took over the business, renaming it Freyer Equipment & Supply.
Rob drove all around Western Washington and Oregon supplying tire stores with valve stems, wheel weights, and other equipment.
Before the children were school-aged, Rob loved taking them on his delivery route. Boarding the truck, affectionately called The White Whale, Rob and his young apprentice would make a few business stops, get a special breakfast (his favorite was at the local Pancake House), and chat with all the friends Dad had across the state.
As everyone grew up, his entire family fondly recalls sorting inventory and managing the desk at his shop.
Rob punctuated his working hours with quick naps, fueling his long hours, and could sleep soundly anywhere, albeit for a short time. He would also frequently stop for a slice of pie à la mode (he loved recommending diners and pie flavors to anyone headed to the Pacific Northwest).
In addition to his professional pursuits, Rob was an active member and longtime deacon of Calvary Community Church.
He was a constant fan (and frequent coach) to his son Michael's sporting pursuits, a follower of his daughter Amy's cheerleading, and a proud supporter of daughter Kim's theater.
On weekends Rob enjoyed a hot breakfast, and especially loved making pancakes; he delighted in family road trips (and taking the road less traveled); and he loved family camping trips recalling native flora and fauna years after studying it at WSU.
As the children dispersed to college, life took Rob in a new direction, and he and Cheryl went their separate ways.
Rob sold Freyer Equipment, moved to Vancouver, Washington, and went to work for 6 Robblees. After a few years, he retired and moved to the Central Coast of California. He chose to live within driving distance of his daughter Amy's family and his son Michael's family.
Rob's retirement was an active and social one. He loved golf, pool, motorcycles, and live music. He helped neighbors mend fences, repair plumbing, and move furniture.
Rob was a pool champion and a car enthusiast. He built a close community of friends who shared meals, wine and conversation. He found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He playfully road carousels, practiced mutton bustin', and delighted in babysitting requests. Not only did he impart love, he modeled it for the next generations of his family.
An optimist, Rob had lived with aggressive cancer for more than 12 years and never stopped fighting. He was traveling, cooking, cheering on the Dodgers, attending bible study, and visiting grandkids in his final months.
He passed away with the hands of his family on him as the sun set on his 71 birthday. Rob lived as a poet, choosing his birthday to move into the next chapter.
Rob was predeceased by his parents and his brother Rex. He is survived by three of his brothers David (Lucy), Curt (Wanda), and Joseph (Michele); as well as his sister Karen. His children Amy (Marshall), Michael (Cristina), and Kimberly (Shion) survive him, as do his grandchildren Elenora Miller, Ernest Miller, and Jacob Freyer.
Rob is buried at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, in the Sunrise Urn Garden.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 83 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara. A reception will be held immediately after.