Obituary of Robert Alan Rosenthal

Bob was taken from us suddenly in the early hours of November 8th, 2011. Born on June 6th, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, Bob moved west as a young adult, eventually residing in California, Nevada, and finally Washington. He was a successful independent businessman in the transportation industry. Bob met Stephanie Annest in 1994 and followed her to her native Pacific Northwest where they lived happily for the past thirteen years. Family and friends remember Bob’s contentment, positive demeanor, and go-with-the-flow manner through good and bad. He was remarkably young in spirit. All who met Bob discovered that sitting down and having a conversation with him meant that you had made a friend and an ally for life. Bob was a skilled artist, photographer, and aspiring musician who could always be seen carrying a guitar pick. Bob loved astronomy and was particularly drawn to the mysteries of the universe. He found Jesus as a young man and dedicated his life to serving Him. Bob was an enthusiastic member of University Place Presbyterian Church, where he was a teacher and contributor at Bible Study Fellowship each Monday. In the same way that Bob taught the Word to children at his church, he also instilled his love for Jesus in his own children; there was no doubt in his mind that his children would also be children of God. Bob was a phenomenal husband, father, grandfather and provider, and it was apparent to all who met him that his family was his number one priority. He was their rock. Bob’s daughters will miss how he made their lunches everyday with special care, because he knew just exactly how they liked them. They’ll miss how he rode along in the car with their mom to drop them off at school in the morning, just to spend some more time with them. They’ll miss Saturday mornings at guitar practice and going out to breakfast afterwards. They’ll miss their number one fan cheering them on from the sidelines at soccer games; his music in the car; leading prayers at night; bringing a glass of water before bed. Bob built the tree house in the backyard, and he worked to maintain a home that was open to family and friends every time of the day or night. He especially loved the holidays – or really any chance to get together with the family – and was the designated piñata-holder at every birthday party. In fact, “He was the designated everything.” Bob was an essential member of the family and the community, and we don’t know how things will continue to work in his absence; our hearts are broken. Bob is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his four children: Anthony Joseph Rosenthal (Danielle) of Florida, Amy Lane Barta (Jonathan) of Tacoma, Demetra Lea Annest, and Sophia June Annest (and also Tinkerbell, his loving cat). He is survived by his mother, Dolores, brother Michael, and sister Vicki, all of Chicago, grandchildren Evan and Kaitlyn, numerous nieces and nephews, and an extensive community of friends. University Place Presbyterian Church will host a funeral celebrating Bob’s life on Monday, November 14th, at 3pm.