Robert Eugene Camp

Robert Eugene Camp passed from this earth peacefully on June 17th, while in his loving wife Beverley's embrace to the tune of Frank Sinatra's "My Way". It was the end of a lifelong love story. In doing so, Bob exited exactly as he lived for 81 years: on his own terms, and with a flair for a great story well told. Bob grew up in Seattle in the loving family of Willis and Marty Camp with his brother Steve and his sisters Rosie and Marcy. He attended Roosevelt High School and was a proud alumnus of the University of Washington and the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. While growing up, Bob was an Eagle Scout and camp counselor at Camp Parsons, where he perfected the lost art of telling ghost stories around the campfire that scared the bejesus out of many a young camper. Bob was a born retailer who founded the Import Bazaar in Montreal, Canada where he met and married Beverley. Their love story began the moment he spotted her on Westminster Street, where she owned a sewing supply store across from one of his locations. Together, they built a blended family with four kids - and always an English Setter. His connection with his dogs was nothing short of spiritual. The success of Import Bazaar caught the attention of Pier 1 Imports. They bought his company and with the kids in tow, Bob and Beverley moved to Pier 1's headquarters in Ft. Worth, Texas where Bob was named President (then CEO) of the 300 store chain. While there, Bob traveled the world and led a resurgence of the company through his clear vision, dynamic leadership and boundless energy. Bob then returned to Seattle, where he and Beverley founded Westminster Lace. Later, they then moved to Vermont to reopen North Hero Island's general store, Hero's Welcome. Not content with merely running the store, Bob started the winter and summer island festivals with skating rinks, duct-tape boat races, and water balloons dropped from float planes. While in Vermont, Bob touched many lives, especially the young workers in his store that went on to become doctors, scientists, lawyers, and a Navy Seal — success which many credited to the leadership lessons he passed on to them. Bob loved music - especially Clapton and The Eagles, which he would blast throughout the house as his kids performed dish washing duties. Dancing, lots of off-key singing and dish towel whipping were the norm. He was an avid amateur woodworker and architect. Bob and Beverley designed, built or renovated six beautiful homes together. All their homes were filled with light and love, each with their own unexpected surprises. Secret doors, Wood stoves, a 2-story fiberglass slide - and always a perfect attic space with bunkbeds designated for each of their 11 cherished grandkids. As both a father and grandfather, Bob taught them all the value of hard work through raking leaves, washing cars and chopping wood. He was also famous for stirring up good fun with bridge jumping, water gun fights and bonfires. Bob made time for incredible adventures - he made a solo transcontinental motorcycle trip at 66 years of age, visiting friends and family along the way. Throughout his life, Bob propagated unconditional love and life's lessons to all he came into contact with. As a dedicated historian, he loved to recite stories and lessons from Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and other great American heroes. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Willis and Marty. He is survived by his wife Beverley; his daughters Stephania Denton (Ken) and Eliza Ademollo (Enzo), his sons Jason (Carol) and Michael Boychuk (Kealy), as well as his grandchildren Harrison, Scott, Jackson, Jessica, Katya, Andrei, Carson, Misha, Marcello, Amedeo and Antonio. Lastly, Bob is also survived by his siblings Steve (Georgene), Rosemary Muse (Galen) and Marcy Edwards (Jon). His family is heartbroken and will miss him deeply. They are all comforted by the knowledge that he is reunited with his loving parents, and is without a doubt telling incredible stories to anyone within earshot.

Please share memories of Bob on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home - Lake View ~ Seattle, Washington