Gig Harbor, WA - Robert Geoffrey Crist, known affectionately as Bob by family and many friends, passed away on April 5, 2025, in Gig Harbor WA where he spent his last days surrounded by his family.

He was born September 25, 1946, in Providence RI, the son of Rev. Bertrand R. Crist and Beryl Cottee Crist. When he was two, his family moved to San Marino, CA, where his father became the founding minister of San Marino Congregational Church. He attended public school including San Marino High School, lettering in track and setting a school record for the 660-yard event.

Bob went to University of Redlands and earned his degree in Economics in 1968. Soon after graduating and starting his business career, Bob was drafted by the Army and sent to basic training at Fort Ord, CA. Fortunately, Bob's Future wife Ann McLain, whom he had first met in the 8th grade at Huntington Junior High School, was teaching nearby. They dated again, this time falling in love for Good.

After Basic training, Bob was stationed in Germany for the next two years. When Ann visited Bob one summer, he proposed to her on the Rhine River. They were married July 10, 1971, with Bob's father officiating. He went to work for Ernst & Young in Los Angeles, and they bought a house in South Pasadena. Ann continued to teach while Bob earned his CPA and moved up at Ernst & Young. He became manager of the firm's Portland, OR office before transferring to Seattle as a partner in charge of consulting services to both health care and natural resources industries.

Bob and Ann had their first child David in November of 1977 and their second child Laura in May 1981. The family made their home in Lake Oswego, OR for several years and then in Bellevue, WA for 36 years, before Bob and Ann moved to Gig Harbor in 2020.

After leaving Ernst & Young, Bob served for ten years as Chief Operating Officer for Community Health Plan of Washington. He ended his career as Business Administrator of First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue.

Bob brought his gifts of leadership to numerous community service organizations, including Eastside Catholic High School, which his children attended, Learning Disabilities Association of Washington, Samaritan Health Services, The Presbyterian Foundation, Medical Teams International, HumanGood Affordable Housing, John 14-2 Foundation of Bellevue, Outreach Foundation, and all three Emerald Communities, including Heron's Key and Emerald Heights.

Bob read widely and had a thirst for knowledge and education. His library card was well worn and frequently reached his check-out limit for books. In retirement, Bob taught a class at Bellevue Community College about national parks. He also took two months to teach an accounting class in Kazakhstan, of all places.

Anyone close to Bob knew he loved to travel, particularly to National Parks. Early family trips included driving hundreds of miles in the '82 Volvo station wagon, collecting stamp after stamp for his National Park Passport. In later years he planned more elaborate trips to the Grand Canyon, Alaska, and Florida. The never-ending collection of stamps at some point became both a competition between friends and a great source of pride. Every time it looked as though his goal of visiting every national park was obtainable, another five or so sites would be established, and the finish line would move further away. The last running total was around 386 National Park Sites.

Bob's interest in travel was by no means limited to the United States. At the age of fourteen, he took his first big overseas trip to Australia with his family to visit his mother's homeland; he especially recalled the 19-day voyage home on the Matson Line's SS Monterey. He returned to Australia with Ann in 1972 to introduce her to his extended family, and years later he took his wife and kids to visit his cousins and explore the Land Down Under. Bob also took his family to Europe where they rode a gondola to the highest alps and viewed Paris from atop the Eiffel Tower.

After retiring Bob and Ann were frequent globetrotters. One trip took them on a cruise on the Nile River to see ancient wonders of Egypt, while another trip immersed then into the culture and traditions of Japan. Other adventures had them exploring markets in Greece and getting their picture taken with a Cheetah at an animal park reserve in South Africa. Altogether, Bob explored 72 different countries.

Bob had quite a few hobbies as well, but baseball was his first love. He was a huge Mariners fan and held season tickets for over 25 years. If you knew Bob, the chances are you enjoyed a beer behind the dugout with him at the Mariners ballpark. He also adopted the Washington Huskies, often comparing notes with his brother David, a dedicated USC fan. Bob and his family attended several local Huskie games and even followed the team to the Rose Bowl. If not attending, you could find Bob listening to games while hunched over the latest jigsaw he had received from his puzzle club. He also collected local crafts and seashells during his travels, devoted a few years to rock tumbling, and always retained his fascination and love of trains.

Bob' friendships were also important to him. Some friends joined Bob during the years of travel and others found joy over an evening of board games and laughter. Most of all, Bob loved spending time with his family. He made time to attend David and Laura's sporting events, recitals, and occasionally field trips. Bob cherished every moment he was able to spend with his two Granddaughters, Gabby and Katie. Bob was married to Ann for 53 years and his undying devotion to her is truly a testimony to their marriage. They were not only husband and wife but best friends, they supported each other through thick and thin.

Bob will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who knew him.

Robert is survived by his wife Ann; son David L. Crist (Rebecca) and daughter Laura Crist; granddaughters Gabriella Crist and Katherine Crist; and brothers David W. Crist and Timothy J. Crist.

A Memorial Service will be held September 6, 2025, at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue WA 98004.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation.