Robert Raymond “Bob” Desjean, 88

Robert Desjean passed away on Aug. 26, 2022, at the age of 88 from complications of Alzheimers at the Immanuel Lutheran Home Retreat. His family was by his side when he passed. The funeral has taken place at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery and Bob is in his final resting place.

Bob was born on Jan. 18, 1934, in Central Falls, Rhode Island to French-Canadian parents Chirie and Blanche Desjean. He had 3 siblings, brother Guy Desjean and sisters Nel (Bucky) Folsey and Regina (Tom) McCaffrey. Bob had a large extended family on the Desjean side.

Bob attended Catholic School from kindergarten through high school and was taught by the Catholic Brothers who could be very strict. Bob spoke English at school and French at home and was bilingual most of his life.

After finishing high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 18. His first assignment was at Bentwater Air Force Base in England. While stationed at Bentwater, Bob met the love of his life, Monica Rosemary Hines. They courted, fell in love and were married April 14, 1956. They had two daughters, Cathy Elaine Desjean and Corine Desjean. Cathy was born in England and Bob was stationed back in the U.S. soon after. Corine was born in West Palm Beach, Florida

Bob retired from the Air Force in 1974 and the family moved to Auburn, Washington where Bob had his second career with the Post Office finally retiring for good at age 65. Bob and Monica always attended church and also became involved with prison ministry which they did for 22 years with Bob becoming the Washington state director of prison ministry. Bob and Monica loved hiking and camping and found a lot of beautiful areas of Washington and Oregon to hike and camp throughout their lives.

Bob is survived by his wife Monica; daughter Cathy Vail (Casey) and daughter Corine Sheridan (Pat); granddaughter Carly and her husband and two sons. Bob and Monica moved from Auburn to Kalispell where they resided at Buffalo Hill Terrace until Bob’s passing. Bob is loved and missed by all who knew him.