Robert Cory Strode died March 2, 2024.
He was born in Seattle October 16,1939 to Paul and Kathryn Strode, the oldest of four children.
Bob graduated from Lincoln High School. He continued his education at Western Washington earning a BA in education then a Masters degree at the University of Washington. He taught industrial education in Lake Washington school district. He continued his career in the district and eventually became principal at Finn Hill Junior High. While there he became a founding member of the Coalition of Essential Schools at Brown University, and worked with Dr. Goodlad at the University of Washington on school reform.
For over 60 years Bob was married to Sheila (Hart) and they had two sons, Mike and Gary. They lived in Woodinville until 1998 when they moved to a home he designed and built in Yakima.
Bob was always a “Gear Head”. Together with his brother Jim he built and raced a 27T Roadster.. In 1961 they set a national record which still stands today. Next he began racing flat track motorcycles and won the 1967 season championship at Hannegan speedway. Then it was the Baja 1000 where the team earned second in class. He became interested in Vellocette motorcycles and made connections to other enthusiasts in England and US.
After moving to Yakima he and a friend built and raced a 54 Ford in the 2005 Carrera. He designed and built vintage rally cars for several in Yakima. He also designed and built a Fire Bird Coupe that set a record of 279 miles on the Bonneville salt flats. His final project was a 57 Corvette built in carbon fiber from original molds.
In retirement his greatest joy were his three grandchildren, Diego, Gabriella and Kaiser. Eventually Gary and wife Lynnette and grandchildren moved to Moses Lake. Spending time with his family, golfing with Bill Boggess, meeting with his coffee friends, teaching Bible studies and an occasional shop project kept him busy. He and Sheila were regular worshippers at the Summitview Church of Christ. A memorial service will be held at the church on March 23 at 1:00.
In Lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choosing.