Robert Alston

The world became a little less bright when Robert Stanley
Alston (Bob) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19,
2025 at 5:03am at the age of 100. He was born on May
29,1925, in Seattle, WA, to Wilfred and Beatrice Alston.
Bob was married to Betty, his Highline High School
sweetheart for 75 years. Betty’s parents, Casper and Addie
Winter, embraced their relationship and mentored both
throughout their marriage.
He was a devoted father to Kathleen Hood (Roger); Robert
Alston (Peggy); Patricia Lavery (Terence); Barbara LaFranchi
(Dave); and David Alston (Kristina). He was the proud
grandfather of Tauna; Mark (Megan); Tom (Laura); Chris
(Jana); John (Alex); Mike (Jenny); Stacy (Lewis); Daneka
(Sean); Shaun (Lesley); Bryan (Katie); Philip (Dillon); Jenna
(Mike); Erik (Bethany); and Katrina (Taylor). He found joy in
his 25 great grandchildren: Colten, Hanna, Elliott, Maggie,
James, Madeleine, Sawyer, Sidney, Bennett, Jacob, Tatum,
Ethan, Porter, Persaus, Casey, Dean, Maya, Ellie, Cohen,
Dylan, Beckett, Landon, Kaylie, Isla and Jett.
As a veteran of the United States Merchant Marines, Bob
served his country with honor in World War II. His ships
supplied our troops with munitions from the South Pacific to
North Africa.
Throughout this time, Bob and his future bride, Betty,
exchanged numerous love letters. On January 30, 1946, they
were married at St Francis Catholic Church in Burien, WA.
Bob epitomized hard work. In 1946, Bob joined Pioneer Sand
and Gravel. He rose to the position of Vice President,
spanning a 41-year career in the construction industry. Most
notably, he contributed to countless projects in King County,
including the Space Needle, Alaskan Way Viaduct, and
Columbia Tower.
After saving money in high school and on the ships, Bob
purchased a lot in 1949 and built a brick home from the
foundation up. Always having his children's well-being in
mind, he constructed a playground with a tether ball, merry-
go-round, teeter-totter, swing set, monkey bars, basketball
hoop, horseshoes, and a swimming pool where all the
children in the neighborhood gathered.
In 1964, the family moved to a new home on Lake
Washington. Boating, waterskiing, swimming, entertaining
and celebrating milestones created countless memories with
their family and friends.
Bob and Betty had a passion for adventure, traveling to far
destinations throughout the world. They enjoyed ballroom
dancing to 40s and 50s music, golfing, and attending their
children and grandchildren’s events.
In 1982, they purchased a second home on Harstine Island.
Together they enjoyed visits from family and friends, the
sunsets above Puget Sound, wildlife, and tending to the 3
acres of native plants and flowers. Bob was especially fond of
his many varieties of rhododendrons.
Finally, in 2006 they moved to Meridian Valley Country Club,
where they enjoyed their final years together.
Bob lived his Faith through kindness, generosity and
unwavering love for his family and friends. His gentle manner
and smile will never be forgotten.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11am on August 26th, at
Calgary Cemetery in Seattle, WA. The address is 5041 35th
AVE NE, Seattle, WA 98105.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Bob at Meridian
Valley Country Club from 2pm-5pm. The address is 24830
136th AVE SE, Kent, WA 98042. Please enter the golf club
community through the main gate on 132nd AVE SE and
247th. Please RSVP to terrylavery1@comcast.net or text 206-327-3420 by
Friday, August 22nd by 9:00pm.
In honor of Bob’s life, the family asks that you share a
moment of kindness with someone in need.