Passed away peacefully in his home at Las Fuentes in Prescott, Arizona, on January 24, 2023 at the age of 93.Born December 5, 1929 in Leesburg, Virginia, Bob learned the printing trade at The Loudon News. After one year in journalism school, Bob thought ministry might be a better fit and finished at Randolph-Macon College.
He applied to the Methodist Board of Missions and was sent to Hawaii. He became the Director of the Methodist Student Center at the University, where he met Joyce Inoue, and they married in 1954. Bob then attended Perkins School of Theology at SMU, then returned to Hawaii where he served as pastor at First Church, Hilo UMC, Christ UMC, Wesley UMC, Harris UMC, Kailua UMC and District Superintendent from 1958 - 1994.
Bob and Joyce were blessed with 3 children, Julie, Steve, and Tim. After retirement, the pair moved to Prescott, Arizona to be closer to family. Bob and Joyce were members of Prescott UMC, where Bob became a founding member of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice which serves low-income and homeless members of the community.
He was a relentless thinker and an ardent proponent of Grace. His faith in God and commitment to service permeated every aspect of his life. Years ago, when asked what message he wanted to leave with the world, Bob replied, "I supposed I'd say 'I love you.'"
Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Joyce and is survived by his brother, Richard; children, Julie (Bob) Huck, Stephen (Michelle) Fiske, and Timothy (Annette) Fiske; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 10th,
at 11:00 a.m. at Prescott UMC.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hilo UMC,
374 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720
