Obituary of Robert H. Carreau

Robert Carreau was born in his parents home in the Southend of Tacoma in 1923. He was the second of five children and when his father passed away he was expected to take on the role of helping his mother, Lucy, raise his younger brothers. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and Bellarmine Prep School until he joined the Army-Air Corp in 1943. He was a member of the "Screaming Eagles" 487th Bombardment Group (H), 838th Bombardment Squadron. He completed 23 successful missions over Continental Europe in his B-17 Bomber. He received many commendations and served his Country with pride until he was honorably discharged in 1945. He returned to Tacoma and graduated from Lincoln High School. Bob started work as a civilian employee in the motor pool at Fort Lewis and retired as an Inspector on June 6, 1974. After his retirement he bought a motorcycle and traveled with his biker buddies for the next ten years. Bob was active in the McKinley Hill Booster Club and volunteered in his community for many years. He met his good friend Joe Odegard and worked at Parkway Hall until 1977. Bob was a hard-working man who held two jobs all his life. He was a survivor of the depression and understood the value of hard work and saving what he could for a rainy day. He was the ultimate caregiver. He had his garage door open to all who needed to bring their car over to be worked on. Bob married Barbara Geisert on August 26, 1950 in Holy Rosary Catholic Church. They enjoyed many years of dancing and raising their family together. Barbara passed away on Aug. 3, 1999, 23 days short of their 50th wedding anniversary. They bought their home at 702 E. 34th Street in Tacoma, and lived there their entire marriage. Bob and Barbara raised their 3 children in that home. Gary who was born Oct 23, 1953, Teri was born Feb 14, 1956 and Karen Sep 4, 1957. All the other kids of the neighborhood loved coming over to Bob and Barbra's house because they always made you feel at home. Red and Dolores Blackburn lived across the street and never missed a Friday night poker game. In the summer we all had big BBQ's and spent many evenings talking in the backyard. Susie, Linda and Rick were like family to both Bob and Barb. The memories of the peanut man, Buzz and the old lady who owned the apartments across the street will not be forgotten. Bob also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Christmas was always his favorite holiday because he loved watching everyone open their presents. After Barb passed away Bob sold the house and moved to the Gibson House he lived there for 5 years, when he decided that moving to Harbor View Manor would be a better fit. Bob really loved living there. He would go to dinner every night in the dining room and sit with his friends. During the day he would read the paper and drink his coffee. Bob passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday February 11, 2009. He will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all.