Robert Lewis, ‘Bob’, Spiller came into this world in October of 1951, in rural Sacramento County, California, with a spirit of adventure that never gave out. He kept his mother on her toes and others scratching their heads as to where his never-ending energy came from and how on earth he thought of the stunts he regularly pulled, such as pretending to be Tarzan when he was six years old, diving out of his Aunt’s second story bedroom window with thirty feet of rope tied around his waist!

Bob left this world July 1, 2022 at his home in Oak Harbor, suddenly and peacefully, after a life very well lived. He attended schools in California till the age of 12, when his parents bought a section of land in the panhandle of Idaho and moved the family into a two story, 100 year old log house, six miles outside a small logging town. Bob fit right in and grew into loving the woods and ranch living. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol there, and dearly loved flying. Not long after graduating from St.Maries High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and was sent to San Diego for basic training. He flourished in the Navy, and advanced through his 30 years of service as he toured the world, first on the USS Kennedy, then on the USS Enterprise. He was stationed in Antarctica; Adak, Alaska twice; Pt. Mugu and Moffitt Field, both in California; Patuxent River NAS in Maryland; and Whidbey Island NAS twice, retiring here in 2001, with the rank of ASCM(AW).

Bob met his wife, DeeAnn Worth, on his second assignment to Adak and they were married at Skaggs Island NAS in northern California in February of 1973, as her father was stationed there. After enjoying years together, they had their son, Christopher Dale, born at Patuxent River NAS, Maryland in 1982. What a Christmas gift!

After retiring from the Navy, Bob caught up on some ‘Honey-Dos’ for a few months, but realized at only 50 years of age, he needed to get a job, so he applied for, and was accepted, at the Tesoro Oil Refinery in Anacortes. He worked there for 15 more years and again retired, after making many friends. Bob received a commendation from the Governor of Washington State for his life saving efforts as first responder in the horrendous 2010 explosion at the refinery in Anacortes.

Bob was a Boy Scout Master for seven years with troop 59 in Oak Harbor and aided many boys as they grew into young men, never failing to give of his time and energy to make their experience fun and meaningful, including his son Chris, who made the rank of Eagle Scout. Also, Bob had recently put together a scout master’s reunion, held at the scout building in Oak Harbor, and he was thrilled to see so many folks show up. He talked about it for weeks afterwards.

Bob was a life member of the NRA, knew the U.S. Constitution by heart and believed in freedom and personal responsibility. He was a member of the North Whidbey Sportsman’s Association, the Harley Owners Group, and he captained the Whidbey Wranglers, a local jeep club he started, just for the love of checking out the back country with friends, and promoting jeeping as good clean fun. He took the group to Walker Valley often and was always looking for new trails to explore. Everyone was welcome, just bring your jeep and meet in the El Cazador parking lot on the third Friday of each month. This group gave him much joy and he loved his little red 1990 Jeep YJ.

Bob had been restoring an old 1954 Ford truck over the past years and he and Elmer, his brother-in-law, spent a lot of time in the shop on it, watching it slowly take shape. Bob was always a mechanical guy and enjoyed working on cars, trucks or bikes.

Bob and Elmer had just returned from attending the Tillamook, Oregon Jeep Jamboree in mid June, and what a grand time they had. As usual, any trip involving Bob had to be adventurous, and they were still talking about it.

Bob made friends everywhere he went, and he was known as a humorous guy, and one who would never let anyone down, and who could absolutely be depended on. Always good natured and ready to laugh, he brought love and joy to many and was never afraid to jump in to help someone, even strangers. He gave of himself to so many people, young and old, and to say he will be missed is an understatement.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Harrington Spiller, his beloved wife of 40 years, DeeAnn Worth Spiller, and his younger brother, Mike Spiller. He leaves behind a son, Christopher Spiller and his wife Jessica Friedt Spiller of Bellingham, a sister and brother-in-law, Pat Spiller Partridge and Elmer of Oak Harbor, his dear companion, Sharon Waltrip of Oak Harbor, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and legions of friends.

A memorial will be held at a later date this summer so we all can share some laughter and good memories, as Bob would want us to. If so inclined, donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Boy Scouts of America, troop 59, 311 SE 8th Avenue, Oak Harbor, 98277, or any charity of your choosing.

Bob would want us all to move forward and be as happy as we can be, remembering the good times and keeping him in our hearts. He was a one-of-a-kind man and a hero to many. Smooth seas Bob.