Dear Highline College,

We have learned that former Highline College Dean of Instruction for professional and technical education Dr. Robert “Bob” Henry Eley passed away at age 87 on Jan. 31, 2023, in Wenatchee. On behalf of Highline College, I extend my deep condolences to his family, friends and former co-workers.

Dr. Eley worked at Highline College for 13 years from 1988 to 2001.

He came to Highline from Wenatchee Valley College where he was Associate Dean of Instruction in 1979. While at Wenatchee Valley, he earned his master’s degree in education at Central Washington University. While at Highline, Dr. Eley earned his doctorate in education from Seattle University.

According to his obituary, Dr. Eley “highly praised” the faculty at Highline and received the honorary title of Dean Emeritus after his retirement in 2001.

Dr. Eley graduated from O’Dea High School in Seattle, then served for eight years in the United States Air Force, four years of active duty and four years of reserve . He then volunteered for the missionaries in Alaska before accepting a career at Boeing and later teaching electronics at Skagit Valley College, where his higher education career began.

While sad occasions, losses to our Highline family also allow us to reflect on the legacy of the leadership from those who have helped create the college we know and love today.

Dr. Eley is preceded in death by his first wife Katherine “Katie” Zoric, parents and brother. He is survived by his wife Patricia “Trish” Wilmoth Eley, his six daughters Katherine Sotnik, Theresa Eley, Ann Sargent, Mary Eley, Rose DeGoede, and Carol Mosman, four sisters and two brothers.

Condolences, thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook through the Chapel of the Valley.

Sincerely,
John

John R. Mosby, Ph.D. (he, him)
President
Highline College