Robert William Treibel

May 14, 1924 - May 19, 2023

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Robert William Treibel passed away on May 19, 2023. He was born May 14, 1924 in Everett, Washington to William and Alma Treibel (Forrest). He is survived by son Dwight Treibel and his sons, Isaac Treibel, Peter Treibel; daughter Terry Treibel, (Brian) and her daughters, La Tisha Wolfe Miner (Edward), Nickie Wolfe Murdock (Boyd), and Brandi Wolfe Hirschi (David); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Beverly De Rosier (first wife); Helen Wallace (second wife); and Bonnie Wingfield (third wife); Richard Treibel (son); Rob Treibel (grandson); Doug Ames (stepson); and Bill Ames (stepson).

In 1941 while attending his senior year at Everett High School Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan.

He immediately enlisted in the Navy and quickly earned his certification as navigator, radioman, gunner, and thereafter his wings as they recognized his intelligence and ability to catch on quickly. He was part of the flight crew on various anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft until the war ended in 1945.

With the assistance of the GI Bill, Bob enrolled at Everett Junior College before attending the University of Washington in Seattle where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting.

He worked for several years in Everett and vicinity when in 1962 he began a search on the Olympic Peninsula for a place to start his own tax accounting business. He originally looked in Port Angeles as a candidate for operating a business but found the competition to be restrictive. With the suggestion from a friend and very few practicing accountants, he decided the timing was right to plant roots in Port Townsend instead.

As a businessman he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club (President and Treasurer at one time) and a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge. He also volunteered at the Port Townsend Library during part of his retirement years. Bob was very generous with his choice of charities, organizations, and especially with his family. While continuing his practice he earned the required credits and obtained his CPA license and remained active in the Naval Reserve (now known as the Navy Reserve) and retired as Lieutenant Commander.

As a result of his participation with the Navy, the family experienced many enjoyable airshows at Paine Field, located between Mukilteo and Everett, and the Blue Angels over Lake Washington.

In 1977 he sold his business to David Gooding (now retired), nephew of Bob’s third wife Bonnie (Wingfield), also an accountant. They worked with David during the transition of the business, also thereafter living in Yakima performing some accounting services before moving back to Port Townsend to begin their full retirement. They enjoyed an active retirement; playing tennis, hiking, square dancing, traveling, and spending time with family. They were married 42 years when Bonnie passed in 2016.

Bob had the privilege of visiting the Veterans Memorial Park in Washington, D.C. courtesy of the Honor Flight Network in April 2016, shortly after Bonnie passed.

Bob and Bonnie moved to Surprise, Arizona full-time in 1994 after snow birding for a few years. After Bonnie passed in 2016 he moved to an independent retirement home in Peoria, Ariz. In December of 2022 he moved into an assisted living home near Pocatello, Idaho, where his daughter Terry and family reside. The family had a wonderful birthday party for his 99th birthday, he was hoping to make it to 100, but 99 is also an exclusive club.