Rob Woutat Obituary (1938

Rob Woutat, book author and columnist for the Kitsap Sun newspaper, died on January 11, 2019. He was 80. A loving husband, father, teacher, community volunteer, and friend, Rob was born in 1938 to Philip H. and Helen Woutat. He grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota and earned degrees in literature from the University of North Dakota and the University of Iowa. Rob married his first wife, Syb Sanders, in 1961, and together they raised two sons, Philip and Jonno. For much of Rob's working life, he taught literature and writing at a private, college preparatory school in St. Paul, MN, where at various times he was also Dean of Students, coached track and cross country, directed plays, and led numerous wilderness expeditions. In 1987, Rob moved to Bremerton, WA where he married Marilee Hansen and gained a stepson, Tracy. The couple met 27 years earlier during a university year in Vienna, Austria, and together Rob and Marilee went on to travel the world. They became beloved and influential members of the Kitsap community, with many friends, including dozens of exchange students that they took in over the years. In addition to being a weekly newspaper columnist at the Kitsap Sun for 15 years, Rob taught at Olympic College, was a commentator for KPLU radio, and worked for Washington Special Olympics. He wrote books including Dakota Boy: A Childhood in Memory, Indelible Gifts: The Story of a Twentieth Century American Family, and Rosalina's Story: A Trail of Mayhem, as well as numerous essays and plays. He volunteered at Bremerton Foodline, Bremerton Symphony, Harrison Medical Center, the Literacy Council of Kitsap, and the Great Peninsula Conservancy. Rob was a charming and thinking man, with a delightfully dry sense of humor. His kindness and curiosity led him to explore the human condition in his writings and his daily life. He loved classical music, cooking and entertaining, and especially enjoyed meaningful conversations with friends and family. Rob swam in the deep end of the pool emotionally and intellectually, and he moved energetically in the world. He loved to run and spend time outdoors. Rob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Woutat. Rob is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marilee Hansen; his sons, Philip Woutat and Jonno Woutat (and wife Sassy); his brother, Don Woutat; his stepson, Tracy Dethlefs (and wife Francine); and his grandson, Keon. Remembrances can be made to Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center (KIAC).