Robert Oke

Robert Eugene Oke was born September 4, 1940 in Spokane and was raised in West Seattle. He joined the Navy after graduating from high school and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after serving his country for 26 years. Bob was elected to the Washington State Senate in November 1990. As a Statesman he faithfully served the people of Washington State retiring after sixteen years. Bob went to be with the Lord, May 14, 2007, after a three year life experience with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer disease. He was truly a servant of the Lord and a loving husband, a very gentle man who loved his children. He took great joy as a grandfather. With his competitive spirit he enjoyed golfing, pheasant hunting, fishing, and gardening. Most knew him as a serious sports fan and how much he agonized when the Mariners, Sonics, or Hawks were losing. Bob and his wife, Judy, who he affectionately called, "Mrs. Oke," raised two daughters Jeanyce Derby and Wendy Tanner, and a son, Phillip Oke. He and Judy are blessed with eight grandchildren; Amy, Ben, Caddie and another Derby grandchild, a boy, due in July; Jonathan and Cameron Tanner; Brittany, Jamie, and Kristina Oke. It was Senator Oke's strong faith that saw him through his illness and kept him dedicated to his public service through many difficult times. The family invites visitors at www.thestatus.com ; click on "visit a patient" and type in "Oke." The password is "care-suppose."