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Robert K. Kucherry, 80

Robert K. Kucherry, 80, of Cle Elum, Wash., passed away at his home on June 17, 2019, with his longtime companion, Dora Jean, and his son, Robbie, by his side. At Robert’s request, no services will be held.

Robert was born on Sept. 5, 1938, in Moyie Springs, Idaho, to James and Lois (Goff) Kucherry. He grew up in the Moyie Springs area and completed his schooling through the sophomore year before he went to work in the woods with his father and brother, using horses to accomplish the required work. Robert did everything one could possibly do in the timber industry, including working as a millwright, a sawyer and a high-line operator. He worked for many loggers in Idaho, Washington, California and Alaska, including Jack Faust and Burgess Logging. He worked the last 10 years of his career and ultimately retired from Willis Enterprises at age 79, a total career in the timber industry that spanned almost 65 years.

Robert married Bonnie Lee Spaulding on Oct. 8, 1958. That marriage later ended in divorce. Robert then met Dora Jean Wolfe at a Snowmads Snowmobile Club meeting and the two hit it off and were each other’s best friends and companions for more than 16 years.

Robert loved fishing with his brother, Jim. He also loved anything having to do with equipment and would spend many hours plowing snow on his four-wheeler in the winter months and riding in the woods during the summer.

Robert is survived by his longtime companion, Dora Jean Wolfe of Cle Elum; children, Robbie (Pamela) Kucherry of Sandpoint, Tony (Lisa) Kucherry of Post Falls, Rowdy Kucherry of Moyie Springs and Jamie Bergonzini of Alaska; his brother, Jim (JoAnne) Kucherry of Coeur d’Alene and his sister, Mary “Toots” Lowe of St. Maries. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, and his sister, May Spangle.

Memorial contributions in Robert’s honor are suggested to the Fire District 7 Volunteer Association, 123 E. First St., Cle Elum, WA 98922, or to Hospice Friends, 302 E. Second Ave., Ellensburg, WA 98926. Cascade Funeral Home of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Robert’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.cascadefuneralhome.com.