Obituary: Longtime Shoreline Communications Volunteer Robert "Bob" Phelps, 86

Robert "Bob" Phelps, a longtime volunteer with emergency communications services in Shoreline, amateur radio enthusiast and former University of Washington mathematics professor, died Jan. 4. He was 86.

A post on interceptradio.com described Phelps as "an omnipresent figure in the community (who) took every opportunity to promote amateur radio." It noted his accomplishments in mathematics, linking to a Wikipedia entry about him, and called him the "kingpin behind the Shoreline Antique Radio Association." 

Gail Harris, with Shoreline Emergency Management/Community Services Division, sent the following in an email to Patch:

The Shoreline Emergency Management world, to include the City staff, Shoreline Fire Dept., Shoreline Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) Team and I am sure many others in the city mourn the passing of long time community volunteer Robert “Bob” Phelps.

Bob was the team leader of the Shoreline ACS for many years and only recently resigned due to health reasons. He committed countless hours to grow the communications capabilities during emergencies in Shoreline and his leadership, team commitment, and sense of humor will be missed.

The Shoreline CERT donated $100.00 in his name to the Shoreline Historical Museum as it was another community commitment that was dear to Bob’s heart. He will be missed by many. Shoreline is a safer place to live because of Bob.

In a letter to Phelps shortly before he died, Shoreline Fire Chief Mark Bunje and Harris thanked him for his years of service and wrote: 

"Your dedication and spirit of adventure set an example for the entire community on how a citizen can be of service to fire and life safety responders. Your long-time commitment to the Shoreline ACS will never be forgotten; and your tireless efforts to integrate new technology are treasured and appreciated.

"You have achieved more in 'retirement' than many of us accomplish during our working careers!