Robert Becker

Robert (Bob) Becker, age 80, passed away at home in West Seattle on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Bob was born on February 17,1945 in Flint, MI. He grew up in Flushing, MI, then attended Northern Michigan University, completing a Bachelors degree. He later was awarded a C.S.Mott Fellowship to complete a Masters degree in Education, later doing advanced graduate study at Michigan State University. In East Lansing he met his wife of 46 years, Marla, (who had just finished an undergrad degree), waiting tables together at Beggar’s Banquet restaurant.

Bob had a career as a Dean at colleges and universities in Colorado and Utah. Moving to Seattle in 1985, Bob taught at Seattle’s Indian Heritage School and then elementary special education in West Seattle before retiring.

During his life, he and Marla traveled throughout the US and Canada by motorcycle and then an RV. Bob and Marla were dog lovers, raising Hungarian Kuvasz for over 40 years, beginning with the first puppy, Akos, that Bob gave Marla as a wedding present. Just this past year, Bob enjoyed their trip to Vienna to hear Mozart music (his favorite) and just a few months ago, Iceland, where he reveled in dining at two Michelin Star restaurants.

Bob was an excellent cook, hosting many Thanksgiving dinners and other gatherings with gourmet dishes. (He also was a highly regarded itinerant bartender, concocting scratch cocktails for all, including at the Retirement Communities Marla managed.)

Bob is survived by his wife, Marla, brother Bill, and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a loving family of friends.