We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Robert “Dr. Bob” Thompson, beloved family provider at Valley for 37 years. Dr. Bob cared for generations of families, living a life of selfless service, kindness and love for others. He cared deeply about people and was a blessing and a light to all who knew him.

“He was the MVP of human beings, always present and giving his full attention. He had a life of service, giving the one thing that cannot be replaced—his time. The primary word that comes to mind is ‘good.’ Whenever someone was done talking with Bob, they just felt better. A true healer, in every sense of the word.”
– Rich Roodman, former Valley CEO of 37 years

Born and raised in Burien, Dr. Bob attended Washington State University, receiving his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1981. He had a great sense of humor, and was endlessly thoughtful and welcoming to everyone around him. He was an avid swimmer, who loved boating, fishing and traveling, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family—his 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and his wife who was the love of his life.

Dr. Bob was the kind of physician who inspires others to join the field of medicine. Known for his generous and kind spirit, he had patients who brought their children, and eventually their grandchildren to see him over the course of their lives. As a family practitioner, Dr. Bob delivered hundreds of babies at Valley and was recognized by Seattle Business Magazine as an Outstanding Health Care Practitioner in Washington State.

Not only did Dr. Bob devote his career to his patients, but also to those outside the hospital walls in need of care. His vision led to the creation of Renton RotaCare Free Clinic and eventually several others to serve patients without medical insurance who could not afford care. A dedicated member of his local church, Dr. Bob shared his passion for giving back with youth groups and traveling abroad on mission trips to build homes for those in need. An invaluable contributor to the welfare of others, he was voted Renton’s Citizen of the Year in 2010 for his outstanding service to our community.

The countless ways Dr. Bob provided care for those around him are centered on one simple quality—his genuine kindness. He left this world a better place and will be dearly missed by all who had the great honor to know and work with him.

Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with his family as we take time to reflect on this great loss.

For those wanting to make a contribution in his memory, the Dr. Bob Thompson Memorial Fund has been established to continue his legacy for caring for all in the community like family at valleymed.org/gift.

Many have asked about how to help recognize Dr. Bob’s tremendous impact so Valley has established the Dr. Bob Thompson Memorial Fund to continue his legacy of giving back through community health and outreach. In addition, in recognition of Dr. Bob’s love for water and the outdoors and to give staff, patients and visitors a tranquil place of respite and reflection, a new waterfall will be constructed in the Healing Garden that includes a wave-formed gabion metal structure and blue-green glass floats in his honor. Donations to the Dr. Bob Memorial Fund can be made here.