From Kimball Funeral Home, Pullman
Robert D. Peavy
(December 7, 1932 - December 9, 2016)
“Coach” Robert Darwin Peavy, 84, a longtime Pullman resident
died Dec. 9, 2016 at his Pullman home surrounded by his family.
Bob was born Dec. 7, 1932 in San Jose, CA; he grew up and
attended schools in Salinas, CA.
Beyond Salinas High School, Bob’s educational history
includes a degree from Hartnell Junior College, Bachelors and Masters Degrees
from San Jose State University (SJSU), and a PhD from University of Utah. He
also served in the U.S. Marine Corps between 1952 and 1957.
Bob dedicated his professional life to coaching, teaching,
and mentoring. His career as a PE teacher and coach began in a Bay Area junior
high, progressed to high school, after which he moved on to become head
gymnastics coach at his Alma Mater (SJSU).
In 1969, Bob was named as men’s head gymnastics coach at
Washington State University (WSU). In this position he garnered a number of
achievements, awards, and successes: PAC-8 Coach of the Year 1975; host of
WSU’s first international meet in any sport (Japanese National Gymnastics team
vs. WSU's Men's Gymnastics Team, January 1975); Bob coached an All American and
an Olympic athlete; under Bob’s leadership the WSU men’s gymnastics team rose
from 114th to a top 6 national ranking; Bob was President and Honorary Lifetime
Member of the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/College
Gymnastics Association.
After his storied coaching career, Bob stayed at WSU’s
Physical Education department until he retired in 1999.
A short selection of professional honors and activities
includes: President, Western Society for Kinesiology & Wellness (WSKW; 1991),
notably, he was recognized for his role in promoting women in this and other PE
professional organizations; honored with the eponymous “R.D. Peavy Papers”
(WSKW); Advisor/Coach to the WSU Cheerleaders, Rally Squad, and Butch Programs.
As Bob’s collegiate coaching career tapered off, he extended his passion for
teaching and coaching as Director of WSU’s Summer Sports Skills Camp.
A generation of Pullman kids learned to swim, ride a bike,
and numerous other activities and sports skills under Bob’s leadership. Central
to his philosophy as Camp Director was to create an environment of fun and
learning through consistent encouragement and recognition.
Many remember Bob as an amateur card magician. He performed
card tricks for unwitting trick-or-treaters, and was a fixture at public school
events performing card magic. Bob stated that his greatest achievements in life
were in the family realm.
Bob married his lifetime partner Claudia Larson in 1968. He
was highly involved in the lives of his three children, from Cub Scout Pack
Master to PTA President at Lincoln Middle School to Frontier League Wrestling
Parent of the Year (1990-91) to other ad hoc coaching of his kids’ sports
teams. He was an incredibly proud and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
As a father, he was a listener, influencer, teacher, and
“coach.” Bob’s love and caring extended beyond just his family to his students
and athletes, many of whom referred to him simply as “Coach.”
Bob is survived by his wife Claudia; three children Marshall
(Julia) Peavy of Colorado, Matthew Peavy (Riina Vuorikari) of Wyoming/Europe,
Michelle Peavy (Jim LeBlanc) of Seattle; three grandchildren Drake and Tanner
Peavy, and Claire LeBlanc.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother George
Peavy.
The memorial service celebrating his life will be held on
Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Simpson United Methodist Church, 325
NE Maple St., Pullman. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted
with arrangements.
Memorial donations are suggested to Simpson United Methodist
Church or to the WSU Cougar Athletic Fund.
