Forty-nine years ago, Jesse and Patricia (Northup) Bondurant and children Debra and Corey welcomed a precious baby boy, Robert Neil. He was a happy, quiet child – never cranky or “fussy.” By 3 years old, he was enthralled with numbers. He wrote numbers to one million in kindergarten. As he matured, he had a very mathematical, methodical mindset. He avoided change and controversy, and was gentle, honest, peace-loving, and goal-oriented. He always followed the rules.
In 1976, the family moved from Port Townsend to the “Egg and I” farm at Center. Rob graduated from Chimacum High School where he played French horn in the band. He later graduated from Peninsula College.
He became a champion weightlifter, and a world-class runner and hiker. He ran the Boston and New York marathons and many races across our nation. Rob worked nearly 24 years for Jefferson Transit. He was an excellent driver. This job allowed him running time after work every day and races on weekends. For a person of small stature, he was an amazing athlete. This past September he hiked down the Grand Canyon, visited his sister and went to California to climb a certain peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains. He attained his goal and reached the top of the mountain. On the way down, he fell into God’s loving hands. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV)
He is survived by his mother, Patricia; sister, Debra and family; brother, Corey; uncle, Dennis; cousins; best friend Keith; and nationwide friends.
A “Celebration of a life well-lived” will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in the Arts Building. Please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to a charity of your choice. To honor Rob, the family would encourage the Runners/Hikers to wear an event shirt and shoes.
