Robert A. Farr

Robert (Bob) Allen Farr, age 72, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Fresno, California. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He brought joy to those around him through his kindness, generosity, and humor. Bob lived a life of service, quietly offering steady support, encouragement, and care to those he loved and to all whose lives he touched.

Bob was an airline captain for Alaska Airlines for 30 years. He had a deep passion for flying and took great pride in his career. Prior to working at Alaska Airlines, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1975 and continued his service in the Air Force, reaching the rank of Major. He served six years on active duty and then continued in the reserves. Bob was also a stellar athlete, playing football for the Air Force Academy and being named Most Valuable Player in 1975. He completed the Portland Marathon and enjoyed working out at the YMCA. He found peace in nature, spending many hours gardening, hiking, and walking on the beach near his home in Washington. Family was dear to his heart, and he deeply cherished time spent with his three children and five grandchildren, always encouraging their dreams and celebrating their successes with genuine pride.

Bob is survived by his wife, Pam; his three children, Joe, Jene, and Becca; and his two brothers, Jim and Dave. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Ezra, Sullivan, Harriet, Yarrow, and Tulsi.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on January 31 from 12–4 pm at Olalla Bay Market & Landing in Olalla, Washington.

The family would like to thank Fresno Senior Living for their compassionate care during the last two years of Bob’s life, as he lived with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences at www.whitehurstsullivan.com.

 
 

Photographs and Memories
 
   
   
   

What a shock it was to hear from Pam a few days ago about the untimely passing of Bob. So many memories of Bob, and what a great guy! As so many have said to me the last week, "Wow! Bob was such a nice guy" And he truly was. Always that signature smile on his face.

Bob and I became friends when we ended up at pilot training together at Columbus AFB, MS, although in different classes. Then off to Altus OK for C-141, and Norton AFB where he was in 14th SQ and me in 15th. We became friends quickly, he even slept on my couch for a few weeks while looking for his own apartment.

I was there when he first met Pam and also for the birth of Joe. I've never forgotten watching the little Joe holding Bob's hand, walking down the sidewalk as Pam and I watched seeing the same thing. Joe was just a little Bob.

Once active duty AF was over, we separated ways as Bob headed to a Fedex small plane operation and I to Dallas waiting on a job with Delta. Bob had gotten into a KC-10 Reserve job and called me while I was doing Air Traffic Control training in OK City. That call changed the trajectory of my career as he offered that I come back to Southern California and fly KC-10's. What a nice experience which eventually led to Delta as Bob transitioned to Alaska.

I asked Bob to be in my wedding as a groomsman and he graciously accepted way back in the summer of 1985. I got a layover once in Seattle and got to see Bob and the family in Gig Harbor. Sadly, life got in the way and we only communicated sparingly after that.

I'll never forget the Pilot Training Wing championship flag football game...Won by our squadron due to Bob's prowess on the football field. It's the only time I've ever witnessed a kickoff run back for a touchdown in a flag football game. Impossible to describe! Bob was always such a humble person and didn't really like to talk about how accomplished he was as an athlete. He was always so encouraging to all around him. I feel honored to have had Bob as a friend.

– Jim Dearien

Bobby was a "Wonderful" classmate and team mate, as part of the Football Team. Sure handed and tough, Bobby could always be counted on in the Clutch. Humble and selfless, he was the consummate team player, and although we had a difficult Senior season, Bobby always brought his "A" game. It was that everyday effort that earned him a spot in an AllStar Game at the end of the 1974 season. I know he is a "First String Wide Receiver" on God's team in heaven, catching passes and scoring touchdowns for our team. We miss you Bob!!!!

– Rod Hennek

Bob Farr was my team mate on our Academy intercollegiate football team. He proved to be a highly skilled professional who quietly excelled as a cadet, athlete and friend. I am saddened that we lost him to the clutches of a terrible disease. Typical of Bob’s style, he lived with grace and carried his illness with private dignity. His obituary concisely captures his impact — a long successful marriage plus adult children and grand children that carry on his legacy. May he suit up again in God’s Kingdom, restored to full health for eternity.

– Terry Young

He caught some amazing passes as a receiver. Tall. Lanky. Looked like a wide receiver. Gone too soon.

– Paul Kent

We went through UPT in the same class. Lots of time spent together in the gym. Quiet, unassuming, friends with all of us. Sincere condolences to his family.

– Jim Hartney