Thursday, October 1, 2026
Robert Eugene Cheesman, known to everyone as Bob, passed away on July 29, 2026, at the age of 80, in Edmonds, Washington. Born on March 1, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, Bob lived a life defined by generosity, warmth, and a deep commitment to the young people he served throughout his career and beyond.
Bob served his country as a veteran of the Vietnam War before finding his true calling in the classroom. As a beloved teacher at Westgate Elementary and Edmonds Elementary, he had a gift for making learning come alive. His students will remember him as the teacher who taught them about the salmon life cycle and launched rockets right there at school.
Bob spent one summer aboard the NOAA Research Ship Miller Freeman, where he served as a NOAA Teacher at Sea. He also spent four summers volunteering with park services at Yellowstone National Park. Bob’s dedication to children didn't end when the final bell rang, and it certainly didn't end when he retired. After leaving the classroom, he continued tutoring students and worked in the home/hospital program that provided education to children who couldn't attend school due to health reasons.
Bob married Wendy Clarke in 2009, and he embraced his role as a stepfather and grandfather with his whole heart. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Mieke Clarke, and is survived by his wife, Wendy; his stepdaughter, Kirsten Heidbreder and her husband, Andrew; and his grandchildren, Oliver and Sophie, who brought him tremendous joy.
When Bob wasn't teaching or spending time with family, you could find him casting a line on the water, hitting golf balls, playing tennis, or working in his beloved yard and garden. He was the kind of guy who greeted everyone with a great smile and made people feel instantly at ease. Friendly, funny, and just a really nice guy, Bob left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.
His family invites friends, neighbors, former students, and all who knew and loved Bob to a Celebration of Life Happy Hour in his backyard on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. Come share a story, raise a glass, and celebrate a man who gave so much of himself to his community and to the children whose lives he shaped in ways big and small.
