Robert (Bob) Reutimann, born in Heiden, Switzerland on July 21, 1929 to Johann & Emma Reutimann died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 27, 2014. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, children Richard (Pattie), Michael, Ruth and Linda (Mark), grandchildren Tyler, Erika, Haley, Brandt, Zachary, Tanner, Taylor, and his sister Rose in Austria.

In his younger years, Bob was a talented gymnast who loved to compete and spend time coaching younger people. Bob served an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker which was the foundation for what would be a very successful lifelong career. Bob was a pioneer and entrepreneur who loved to travel. Immediately after completing his apprenticeship he decided to travel. Bob’s trip began in Sweden where he spent a couple of years working before moving to Toronto, Canada and finally arriving in the Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland area.

In 1955 Bob first met Evelyn, who he married on July 7, 1959 after a gymnastics tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During their honeymoon Bob and Evelyn traveled to Spokane, Seattle and Portland. The Seattle area with all of its’ glorious scenery, lakes and mountains reminded Bob of Switzerland. In 1960 after their first child Richard was born, Bob & Evelyn decided to move to Seattle to raise their family where Michael, Ruth and Linda were born.

In 1966 Bob founded Ace, Tool and Mold together with two other Swiss immigrants, Otto Staheli and John Jost. Ace, Tool and Mold would later merge with a manufacturing company and become Tempress, Inc. Bob was one of the original founders of Tempress, Inc. At Tempress, Bob used his skills, expertise and creativity to design plastic parts, tools and molds for products which included the first Apple computer housing for Steve Jobs, Tempress’ “Fish-On” line of fishing products, plus countless other products for the fishing, boating, computer, trucking and airline industries. Bob loved his work and passed on his love for his trade by working together with the National Tooling and Machining Association and local community colleges to develop apprenticeship programs for young people interested in entering the moldmaking industry. There were many young people who served their apprenticeships at Tempress and went on to good paying careers after working in Bob’s toolroom.

Bob was very outgoing and loved spending time with family, friends as well as forming new friendships. He was President of the Seattle Swiss Society for 10 years and a founding member of the Swiss Ski Club at Stevens Pass. Bob loved the Pacific Northwest and treasured his American citizenship. He was a kind loving, caring, generous individual to his wife, family and friends. He loved to boat, fish, ski and entertain friends.

Bob was very proud of his Swiss heritage and passed the love of his homeland onto his family and friends. He enjoyed its music, chocolate, cheese, cuisine and culture. Throughout his life, Bob kept in touch with his family, friends and classmates in Switzerland through letters, telephone calls, and regular visits. He hosted many European visitors. Bob touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who have known him. He was an honest, caring, hard worker who planned ahead and was well organized. Bob & Evelyn were fortunate to be able to visit many places around the world.

The Reutimann family would like to extend our love and gratitude to all of you who provided us with your love & support during these difficult times. Remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice. Please contact the Reutimann family regarding Bob’s Memorial Service.