Robert George Aubert

Beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend, Robert George “Bob” Aubert passed away on June 10, 2026. He will be deeply missed. Bob was born to Eugene and Helen (Parsons) Aubert in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The family soon moved to the Denver, Colorado area, where he grew up and attended South Denver High School, graduating in 1952. Throughout junior high and high school, Bob was expected to work and was unable to participate in school activities; instead, much of his social life revolved around church. During his senior year, when his parents decided to move to Redlands, California, arrangements were made for Bob to live with his grandfather, Lewis Aubert, and his aunt, Lillian Hatcher, so he could complete his final year of high school.

After graduation, Bob moved to Redlands to join his family. He soon began working for a contractor building houses, work he enjoyed, believed could become a good career, and later put to use when building his own homes. While working and attending church in Redlands, Bob was invited to play on baseball and basketball teams. He excelled in both sports, which led to a scholarship offer to play baseball and basketball at Seattle Pacific College. Bob had never seriously considered college, but with encouragement from people in his church and a desire to see whether he could compete both academically and athletically, he boarded a Greyhound bus in September 1953 for the long trip to Seattle and a life-changing experience. He would later reflect, “I can’t believe I got on that bus.” Bob counted that leap as one of the bravest things he ever did.

At a school barbecue at the start of his sophomore year, Bob met a young woman with a beautiful smile, Ardys Widmer. Their first date was a hamburger at Dick’s Drive-In. Bob and Ardys were married on August 18, 1956. This coming August would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary.

Upon graduation, Bob was offered a position at Raymond High School, where he taught sixth grade and served as head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach. During his time there, he quickly progressed to head boys’ basketball coach and later became assistant principal. Bob coached the Raymond Gulls to their first state tournament appearance in 30 years, where they finished fourth. He and Ardys made lifelong friends among the staff and students in Raymond. Students and athletes from that sixth-grade class still gather several times each year, and Bob and Ardys enjoyed attending those events. While in Raymond, Bob and Ardys welcomed their three children: Douglas James, Curtis Jay, and Michelle Marie.

After eight years at Raymond High School, Bob learned about a new community college opening in Auburn, Washington. Having earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Oregon, he was qualified to work at the college level. After consulting with Ardys, Bob applied and was hired at Green River College as PE Department Head,

Athletic Director, and Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Bob spent the next 30 years at Green River, building both an excellent PE department and a strong athletic program. Highlights included winning the NWAC basketball championship in 1969, earning his doctorate in 1980, participating in a Fulbright Exchange to teach in England during the 1982–83 academic year, receiving the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1989, and being inducted into the Northwest Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2001.

While in Auburn, Bob and Ardys built two houses, including one near Green River College that Bob built almost entirely himself. The family took numerous summer trips in their motor home, including a memorable two-month journey in 1976 to the East Coast and then on to the Montreal Olympics.

After retiring in 1995, Bob and Ardys remained active in community organizations, including Auburn Valley Kiwanis and Messiah Lutheran Church. He could also be found bicycling with a group of great friends, even completing the 200-mile Seattle to Portland ride. An excellent golfer, Bob spent many happy hours on the golf course. After Ardys retired from her position as a para-educator, they began traveling the world. Much of their travel was to visit their daughter Michelle and her family, who spent 21 years teaching at various international schools. Their journeys took them throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. They also cherished time spent watching their grandchildren, never missing them in sports, plays, concerts or tournaments

Bob had the rare ability to combine a gentle spirit with fierce competitiveness and keen intelligence. He was a mentor to many and showed a genuine interest in connecting with everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Ardys; brother Jim (Nancy); sons Doug (Monica) and Curt (Mary); daughter Michelle Kuhns (Larry). Seven grandchildren: Joey (Marisa), Stephen (Josh), Danielle (Chris), Kevin (Sheridan), Jeffrey, Janette (Jack), and Kimmy (Conner). Five great-grandchildren, Chloe, Elliott, Camden, Elijah and Charli, with one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Rose and Dorothy.

A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 410 H Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002, on Friday, June 26, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers remembrances in Bob's honor may be made to the Green River College Foundation Scholarship Fund: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/greenrivercollegefoundation/restriction/In+Memory+of+Bob+Aubert

Or checks written to:

Green River College Foundation, 12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092, 253-288-3330