Robert (Bob) Merritt Balderston passed away peacefully, March 22, 2024. Bob was born and raised in Aberdeen, WA. Only child of Earle “Toby” and Mary Torbet. Bob graduated from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen, WA with the class of 1960. He later graduated from Grays Harbor College in 1998, along the side of his son, Bob. Ironically, the same year his daughter, Jamie, graduated from High School. He was very proud of this trifecta.
Bob married Eva AC Carlson, July 9, 1966, at Saron Lutheran Church in Hoquiam. They were married just shy of 55 years, before Eva’s passing in 2021.
Bob was a jack of all trades during his working years. He was a Hoseman for Aberdeen Fire Department, a Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Deputy, owner and operator of Grays Harbor Air, Inc., Quinault Nation Tribal Gaming Officer, deckhand for Brusco Tug and Barge, and private investigator- just to name a few. Bob was a very social person and enjoyed various groups throughout the years. He was a lifetime member of the Grays Harbor Mounted Posse; along with being a founding chair member of the annual GH Rodeo. In the 70’s, he was an active member of the Scuba diving club, Cudas. Bob was a lifetime member of the Aberdeen Elks and served many roles within the organization including Exalted Ruler. He was a very proud member of the NRA, Moose Lodge, and most importantly- a musician. Bob was a drummer and sometimes a lead guitarist. He played in many bands which include: The Beachcombers & Black Velvet. Bob and Eva enjoyed many activities together. Horseback riding, quad riding, dune buggies, dancing, but most of all he enjoyed his 1985 Bayliner boat and the many hours of water skiing and tubing. Bob and Eva had a winter home in Yuma, AZ where they developed a wide range of friends both in WA and AZ. Together, they enjoyed potlucks and playing pinochle, playing 4-6 times a week.
Bob loved his family; proud of each one of them, individually. He is survived by his children, Robert (Jennifer) Balderston of Yakima, WA; Jamie (Bryan) Talley of Elma, WA; his pride and joy, grandchildren; Ava, Timothy and Caroline. Bob leaves behind sister-in-law, Beth Torbet and brother-in-law, Andrew (Virginia) Carlson. In addition, he kept in contact with nieces and nephews: Amy (Scott) Trent, Jodee (Joe) McCann and Jason Torbet. He was blessed the last couple months with help from Jodee Heck, his self-adopted, additional daughter. Wife Eva (2021), Brother Don (2020), Sister Marcy (2020), Brother-in-law’s Carl (1993) and Hans (2021), Sister-in-Law Sharon (2022) all predeceased him.
Bob was active person in Calvary Chapel Church in Montesano, WA and Yuma, AZ and enjoyed weekly men’s group and Sunday morning service. His faith in God was strong and he would speak about Jesus to anyone who would listen. While in Yuma he would work the sound board and it brought him back to all those years of music. Bob’s service will be held April 20, 2024 at 2 pm at Calvary Chapel Church (114 W. Marcy Ave.) in Montesano. Gathering at the community hall following-303 W. Pioneer Ave., Montesano. The family would love to hear all your “Bob” stories.
