Obituary of Robert Whiting

ROBERT CHAPMAN WHITING June 2, 1942 to August 22, 2017 Robert “Bob” Whiting was born in Seattle, Washington, to James Chapman Whiting and Ida Cantalini Whiting. Bob grew up in West Seattle and graduated from Seattle Prep. After graduation, Bob entered the Navy and served on the USS Bennington including a tour in Vietnam. He attended jump school in New Jersey and became a parachute rigger. Bob has 14 jumps and when asked why he would jump out of a perfectly good airplane, he said, “Because I was more afraid of the sergeant than I was of dying.” After leaving the Navy, Bob attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He earned three degrees from there in Sociology, English, and Theology. It was there that he entered in to the Jesuit Society and worked as a teaching priest in Chicago and Yakima for 8 years. He was best remembered for his work for equal rights in Chicago. After leaving Society, Bob had several different jobs. Following that, he joined the Washington State Department of Corrections working as a parole officer and community corrections officer. He worked with Olympia Police Department on a CCO ride along program that involved having Community Correction Officers riding with Olympia Police. At Bob’s retirement on February 29, 2000, the Olympia Police Department told the story of one of the most scariest incidents in their history. They told about the high speed chase down I 5 to 101 terminating in a SWAT action in which Bob was involved. He called his wife, Marion Salcedo, and said, “Don’t listen to the radio, I am Okay.” He was presented with a plaque of appreciation for all of his work with the Olympia Police Department. Bob and Marion married on April 1, 1992, in Clackamas, OR. Bob’s driving skills were infamous. Once Bob and Marion said, “I do,” he turned to Marion and handed her the car keys. He said, “If I want to stay married, you better do the driving.” His sisters and nephew agreed that that was a good call. He and Marion have two sons, Andrew Muir Thorogood and Maximilian David Salcedo. Later, two granddaughters were added. His life was centered around his family . He was the best Poppa any kid could ask for. He was so protective and spoiled them so much. He was an ardent volunteer for all of Marion’s various school activities. He chaperoned Proms, judged Grad Project, chaperoned Future Business Leader of America conferences, and served as a judge for many speaking events. He supported all of the various activities in any way he could. Bob is survived by his wife Marion Salcedo; two sons, Andrew Muir Thorogood, and Maximilian David Salcedo; and two granddaughters ; three sisters, Patricia Curcio (Joe), Christina Berquist, and Liz Whiting; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He will be missed by so many. Service for Robert will be held on Tuesday, September 12 at 2 pm at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. Early arrival is suggested.