Robert (Bob) Elmo Van Dyke died peacefully at home on May 25, 2026 having spent the day surrounded by

family and his beloved wife of 55 years Margaret.

Born September 14, 1942 in Tacoma, WA, Robert’s family moved around WA state as his dad followed

available construction jobs until the family settled in Parker, WA in 1946. In 1960, Bob graduated from Wapato

High School, enlisted in the Navy, and afterwards returned to the Yakima Valley where he became a

professional firefighter in 1970. He married Margaret Overdorf (after a failed blind date with her twin sister) in

1971. For the next 5 decades, Bob & Margaret raised their family and served their community: investing

significant time and attention in the lives of their 3 children, 6 nephews, and 3 granddaughters.

As an active City of Yakima firefighter for over 30 years, Robert represented the IAFF union in contract

negotiations and at state conventions. Upon retirement, he served on the LEOFF pension board and as

president of the Retired Firefighters Association of Yakima. Over his lifetime, Bob served his community as a

Judo instructor, Yakima Trolley conductor, Parker Union Sunday School Superintendent, PTA President, Eagle

Scout Review Board Chair, Selah Heights Grange President, and active volunteer for the Wapato Buddhist

Sukiyaki dinner, Boy Scouts of America Troop 268, and Davis HS Booster Club. Bob was a fixture at the

Central WA State Fair where he spearheaded many award winning agricultural displays, coordinated the Davis

HS Corn Booth, and kept the soft serve flowing at the Grange Dairy Bar. Robert could always be counted on

for help with one phone call and the promise of a huckleberry pie.

We will remember Robert for his dry humor, cheerful greetings, quiet faith, and abundant generosity. He is

survived by his wife, Margaret, their children, and grandchildren: Sarah (Justin Pietsch), Anna, Lisette, and

Nora of Bothell, WA; Leah (Eric Gillespie) of Yakima; and Aaron of Fairfield, CT. He is also survived by his

sister-in-law, Eunice Leach of Yakima. Robert was preceded in death by his parents H.H. and Stella Van Dyke

and brothers Charles and Larry.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Robert’s family welcomes all who would like to remember and celebrate to Robert’s memorial service:

Saturday, June 27th at 11am, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (801 Tieton Dr), reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Child Evangelism Fellowship or the WSCFF Burn Foundation are requested.