Robert Henry Padilla
Robert Padilla loved going on adventures, whether that was panning for gold or exploring the world with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones.
Robert Henry Padilla, a compassionate, loving, spirited father, friend, spouse and world's greatest papa, passed away peacefully March 6, 2024, at home, at the age of 67.
Born on Aug. 25, 1956, in Sunnyside, Wash., to Jesse and Elida Padilla. Robert was raised in Moses Lake, Wash., alongside his 12 siblings. He graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1975.
Robert married Vicki Bidle in 1980, they were married 25 years and had one son, Skyler. Robert spent most of his years in Western Washington working as an entrepreneur owning a Baskin-Robbins in the '90s, insurance sales and mobile home businesses thereafter.
Robert retired in 2011 and met his companion, Cindy Van Duyne. They did some traveling to Missouri, Colorado and California before Robert returned to his hometown in Moses Lake in 2019. Despite being retired, Robert was very active until recent years. He enjoyed being a family man, friend, brother, uncle and, most of all, a papa.
Robert was a devoted father and avid outdoorsman. His love for nature often took him on crazy adventures gold mining in the mountains of Colorado. Long walks in nature began years ago with his son as a child and carried on with his grandkids walking them to and from school, stopping at the local coffee shops and restaurants where everyone knew him.
Robert had a charisma about him that would light up a room, make others laugh, feel loved and he made lifelong friends everywhere he went.
He had a love for all sports, horse racing, Washington State University, and often, you could find him chatting with someone giving his opinion on who would win or just the play-by-play on events of the game.
Robert's love for music was infectious. He loved playing guitar in the garage and teaching his grandkids about music from the '70s and the Beatles. What mattered most to him in life was his son, family and grandkids.
Robert is survived by his son Skyler, daughter-in-law Faith, grandkids; Miguel, Blake, Bella and Savannah, 12 siblings; Linda Diaz, Jesse, Gloria O'Brien, Norma Short, Salvador, Sally Lopez, Larry, Ricky, Tony, David, Mario and Johnny, and partner Cindy Van Duyne.
He is preceded in death by mother Elida Padilla and father Jesse Padilla. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.
Service and viewing will take place Friday, March 22, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Kayser's Funeral Home, 831 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837.