Robert Gale Bauer

Robert (Bob) Gale Bauer died at the age of 84 on Friday, Jan. 11.

He was born on Dec. 3, 1928, in Spokane to Martin V. and Elfrieda (Nuetzmann) Bauer.

He grew up among his extended family in Ritzville, where the Bauer family owned a mercantile. He showed an early talent for art, which earned him a scholarship to Eastern Washington State College. He earned a BA in education from Eastern in 1952, and he and his wife, Gilda, set out for Centralia, Wash., where he would begin his career in the Centralia School District, and they would raise their family.

He moved from elementary school teacher to art instructor at Centralia High School and eventually became the director of a growing art department at Centralia Community College, where he also established a ski club. He enjoyed this position until his retirement in 1982.

Although he found his career in teaching to be very fulfilling, his real passion was creating. He tried every medium, including nail sculpture -

the opus of that era is still prominently displayed at Centralia College. He was very proud of the art shows he entered and the many awards he won. He loved popcorn, so the family suggests remembering him the next time anyone enjoys that salty, buttery treat.

During his later years, he married Gloria Allen, and they lived in California and Michigan. He moved to Richland, Wash., to be near his son, Roger, and the rest of his family in Washington as his health declined.

He is survived by sisters, Marguerite Heimbigner and Joan (Howard) Steward; children, Gail (Ernie) Yamane and Roger (Sandy) Bauer; grandchildren, Kallie (Scott) Moore, Eric Bauer, Michael Yamane, and Jamie Bauer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

At his request, there will be no services.