Bob Curley, Oct 7, 1939 - Dec. 10, 2006

and Jann Curley

Robert Morse Curley, founder of the Men's Rowing Endowment at Seattle Pacific University, was the first-born twin to parents William C. and Geraldine Curley, both teachers in Beverly Hills, California. The babies' arrival made headlines as the second largest twins born in U.S. medical history. Sadly the boys' parents died separately before their reaching their seventh birthday, leaving their sister Gerry, 11 years their senior, to raise them. At age 20, Gerry married Maclyn B. Somers, who became their surrogate father and loved the boys as his own.

Bob graduated from George Washington High School in San Francisco, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering at UC Berkley. A dedicated Cal Bear, Bob was a member of Theta Delta Chi Fraternity, and rowed for four years with the two-time National Champion crew. He then joined the Army for two years, before returning to UC Berkley to earn his MBA

After graduation, Bob married Jackquie Griffiths with whom he had three children. The oldest, Bill, was named after Bob's twin who died tragically in a car acident at the age of 22. Son Bill was followed by his brother Bob Jr., and his sister Kristin. Bob is also survived by stepdaughter Britney Sheehan and stepson Brian Taibl, as well as four grandchildren.

After accepting a job offer from Weyerhauser, Bob moved the family to Tacoma, Washington. After 12 years with Weyerhaeuser, Bob left to begin a successful career of purchasing troubled companies and turning them into profitable enterprises.

In 1988, Bob married Jann Taibl who worked for him at Modern Supply Company. Along with working together, they shared many common interests including tennis, biking, traveling, and spending time at their beach house in Gig Harbor.

Next to his family, Bob's faith was one of the pillars of his life, and called him to serve others in both faith-based and secular capacities. He served on the board of Telios Men's Group, Seattle Pacific University, Christa Ministries, and Family Services. Bob's membership in the Downtown Seattle Rotary best sums up his commitment to civic and philanthropic activity. In 23 years as a Rotarian, he maintained perfect atttendance with an organization whose motto is "service above self." In honor of his commitment and contributions to their work, the Rotary recently announced that the Robert M. Curley Memorial Playground will be built at their new Family Services facility in Seattle. Bob was an Elder and longtime member at University Place Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, as well as a frequent attendee at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

An avid outdoorsmen and athlete, Bob excelled in numerous sports and activities, reaching the summit of both Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. Whether poached, grilled, or smoked, Bob Curley loved his salmon and elevated the catching of these fish to an art. With every new gadget and technical device at his side, he ensure that the big ones never got away...

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