Bob was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on February 28, 1917. He passed away peacefully on April 5, 2006 at the age of 89 at Providence Hospital, Everett, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Agnes Cunningham; Baby brother Earl Cunningham and his loving wife Catherine Elizabeth (Beth) Cunningham. Bob and Beth were devoted to each other for over 53 years of marriage.
Bob graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1934. He was Master Councilor of DeMoleys during his senior year. Bob started working for the bank upon graduation then left Grand Island for California to a better job in a bank. He barely arrived when the draft called him back and he left to join the Army.
He served in the Army during WW II as a Staff Sergeant RJC, 3rd Armored Division. He saw service in England, France and Germany. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Ribbon and Distinguished Unit Badge and Good Conduct Medal.
After the war Bob moved to Seattle and continued his banking career at the Queen Anne branch of the National Bank of Commerce in 1945. He met his wife Catherine Elizabeth McDermott, who was a secretary at the Magnolia branch of NBC, and they were married November 24, 1950.
He moved to the Northgate branch in 1951, where he was promoted to assistant cashier. Three years later he transferred to the Ballard. He was promoted to assistant manager in 1960 and to assistant vice president in 1966. In December 1966 he was promoted to vice president and manager of the Ballard branch of NBC.
He was a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School and held a basic certification from the American Institute of Banking. He was a prominent figure in the Ballard community and an active member of the Ballard Kiwanis Club and Lake City Elks Club.
Bob is survived by his loving sister Isabel Thompson, Mukilteo WA; Art and Kathy (niece) Krull, Mukilteo, WA; three Godsons' and their families, Jon, Diana, Hannah and Luke Krull, Shawnee, Kansas; Steve, Holly and Macey Krull, Marietta, GA; Chris, Suzanne, Abby and Samuel Krull, Sycamore, IL; and Dick (nephew) Susan, Kelsey, Meagan and Michael McDermott, Kirkland, WA.
Bob touched our lives with his dignity and kindness. He was a positive force in our lives and will be remembered fondly by his family and friends. A memorial was held at Harbour Pointe Retirement Home on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 2 p.m. Graveside service was held Monday, April 17, 2006 at Holyrood Cemetery at 1 p.m.
