| Graduation Year | Class of 1963 |
| Date of Passing | Apr 02, 2007 |
| About | Yakima Herald-Republic (WA) - Thursday, April 5, 2007 YAKIMA - Robert Karl Udell passed away on April 2, 2007. Born January 13, 1945, in Yakima, WA to Ronald and Esther Udell. Bob grew up on the family ranch in Naches Heights where he continued to live and farm until 1985. He graduated from Eisenhower High School and Yakima Valley College. Bob was Fire Chief of District 5 and 9 and later pursued a career in irrigation sales and management. Bob married the love of his life Cheryl Belt on September 19, 1970 and to that union were born two sons, Michael and Nicholas Udell. Bob was active in his community and a die hard Republican (much to the chagrin...and delight...of some of his many and diverse friends) and as a young man, he was very active in the Young Republicans. Bob served as co-chairman of the 911 technical committee to obtain a 911 telephone system for Yakima County. He was also a member of the Noxious Weed Board and a Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District Board member during the reconstruction phase. Bob was an avid cougar fan and enjoyed tormenting his friends who did not share his appreciation for WSU during the Apple Cup whenever WSU was the victor. Bob was a member of West Valley Kiwanis, Washington State Fire Fighters' Association and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The world is a little dimmer without the light of his smile and warmth of his heart. Bob never knew a stranger and if you were lucky enough to be his friend, you had a friend for life. He was always the life of the party. "The more the merrier," he always said. Bob was a kind and gentle man that continually came to the aid of his neighbors. Bob could see the good in everyone and help those around him to see that, too. He gave freely of himself and his material goods to anyone who needed it. He welcomed anyone who needed a home and expected little in return. Bob loved his family to the fullest. He was ever present at sports events or any other special occasion that his family was involved in. Bob always made Christmas special for his family and neighbors with his elaborate lighting displays and decorations. Every Christmas Eve the sound of ringing sleigh bells and Santa shouting "ho-ho-ho" was heard throughout the Udell neighborhood. Bob loved to go camping especially to the beach but was usually up for any adventure if it involved spending time with family and friends. Bob's dogs were his four-legged children. They were always in his car or pick up and often even went to work with him. He truly talked to his dogs and they talked to him. Even his animals felt his love and warmth. Bob took pride in his yard and his petunia baskets and barrels were the envy of all who saw them. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Cheryl, his sons, Michael (Katie) of Colorado Springs, CO, Nicholas (Mindy) of Yakima; three grandchildren, Kora, Sophie and Addie, sisters Ester (Gary) Cox of Elk, WA, Nancy (Bim) Hopf of Calgary, Alberta, and brother Clayton (Julie) Udell of Yakima... and, of course, the dogs: Maddie, Dawn, and Belle. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 6, 2007 at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima. Valley Hills Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bob's name to the Yakima Humane Society. |
