Robert Henry Brothers

Robert (Bob) Henry Brothers – beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend - passed away at home on May 13, 2025 at the age of 80.

Bob was born in July, 1944 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Mary Jo (Scott) and Thomas Henry Brothers, the second of four children. The Brothers family later moved to Springfield, Illinois, where Bob attended Springfield High School and was a talented trombone player, class vice president, and in-demand dance partner. Bob briefly attended the University of Illinois, and was later accepted to and graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Bob came to Washington state in the mid-late 1960s with Job Corps/VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America), working with disadvantaged youth and communities affected by poverty and social inequality. He then moved to Seattle and fell in love with the city.

Bob and his wife Anny were married for 45 years, and lovingly raised their child Cynthia. Bob was a very active, fun, and patient parent, playing endless of hours of “Cindy Rules” baseball in the backyard (no strikes, no outs, Cindy always wins); taking her to swim at Evans Pool, and attending Garfield High School football games at Memorial Stadium to watch Cindy play in the marching band - even during dreary, wet Seattle evenings.

After working as a printer for many years, Bob earned his teaching certificate and became an educator in the Seattle and Highline Public School districts, He was well-loved by both colleagues and his students, who would greet him with an enthusiastic,“Yo. Mr Bro!”. Bob was a student teacher at Olympic View while Cindy also attended 3rd grade at the school, which was a special treat for his daughter. Just last year, Cindy received a message from a former student saying, “He was an awesome teacher!”.

Bob enjoyed martial arts, and became friends with Jesse Glover, Bruce Lee’s first student. He was also a talented artist across a variety of mediums including screen printing and illustration - and he continued with watercolors, pastels, figure drawing and more throughout his life. He especially liked to draw family members and Seattle scenes: clouds, sunsets, trees (and faces in trees), and Green Lake. Bob even had an exhibit at Chocolati café. He had a special approach and perspective on color, and a unique ability to see art and beauty in everyday things.

Bob was not only creative but mechanically inclined (in fact, the two went together), and a skilled, largely self-taught DIY “fix-it guy”. He could figure out how to put together,repair, and operate just about anything: cars, motorcycles (including his ’69 BMW), old houses, canoes, bicycles and more. Bob enthusiastically, patiently, and generously provided his assistance and handiwork for friends and family. In general, Bob never hesitated to help someone, rooted for the underdog, and was humble and even self-deprecating about his talents and abilities.

For nearly 50 years, Bob drove and worked on his treasured 1970 cherry red Datsun510 station wagon – which he often used to run errands and haul gear for friends (and even rescued Cindy from having to stay overnight at school during the big snowstorm of1990!) Bob (with nephew Pete and Cindy) also completely rebuilt a vintage wood canoe in his backyard. Bob, Cindy, and Anny would rarely miss an annual visit to the Greenwood Car Show, where it seemed he could identify every vintage car, and would often stop and talk shop with multiple car and motorcycle owners.

Bob was also known for his gentle, sweet, genuine, and loving nature. He had a soft heart, youthful energy, and a playful, offbeat sense of humor - with a genuine,effervescent laugh. He had a knack for chatting up strangers and forming friendships with people across all backgrounds and ages, sharing many humorous stories - often about his adventures in wild and wooly ‘60s Chicago and ‘70s and ‘80s Seattle. Bob was curious about other people and cultures, and knew words and phrases in many languages - learned over the years from his coworkers, friends, students, and extended family. He also loved all kinds of food and sweets. Something as simple as bringing him a snack would light up his face with joy and gratitude.

He was devoted to his wife and daughter, and his family was his biggest love. Bob remained active and continued to take care of the house and Anny and Cindy right up to his passing.

Bob is survived and dearly missed by his loving wife Anny and their daughter Cynthia,his sister Judy, brother Jim, brother John, and many nieces, nephews, cousins,extended family, and friends.

A private service will be held in Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s memory to Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project.