Robert Lester Stead, age 82, died August 15, 2014, lovingly surrounded by family after a long and painful illness. 

Bob was born in Hastings, MN, on March 1, 1932. In 1943, his family moved to Vashon Island to live. Bob was a popular athlete in high school, where he lettered in basketball, football & baseball. He formed his first barbarbershop quartet while still in high school. Bob graduated from Vashon High School in 1950 and went to work with his father at Pier 91.

He married Dare Wilson in 1952, then became an engineer at Boeing. They lived in Ballard for a year where he first started his barbershopping career. They then moved back to Vashon Island and their first child was born in 1955. He set up an aquarium store in the family room of his house, and later moved it to downtown Vashon where small animals were added to the pet store. They had a total of four children.

Bob was remarried in 1970 to Bobbi Maloney, who had a daughter, whom he later adopted. They lived in Renton for 8 years.

He remarried again in 1994 to Jini Kemp, lived in Kent and later moved to Orting. After retiring from Boeing in 1998, they often traveled to warmer climates in the southwest desert where he could sun worship. He also loved to spend a lot of time on their boat, The Harmony Four, fishing and crabbing in the San Juan Islands.

Along with sports, barbershopping continued to be his true love for the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Seattle Seachordsmen and belonged to several quartets while in the chorus. He had a special quartet with his very close friends, who continued to sing until the time of his death. He also treasured spending time with all his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Virginia; sister Sharon Conrad; children Kim Thiessen, Sherryl Kaster, Scott Stead, Dannette Stead and Patti Taylor; 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 4 nieces and 1 nephew.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Seattle Seachordsmen or the American Diabetes Association.

Paid Obituary.