Robert L. Everest

            Robert L. Everest, age 90, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 13, 2023.  Bob was born in Niagara Falls, NY on September 14, 1933, to the late William and Bernice (Blandin) Everest.  He grew up in Niagara Falls, NY and attended Niagara Falls High School, graduating with the class of 1951. Bob and the love of his life, Joan Shanabrook, met in high school and were married on November 15, 1952. They had three children: Cyndi, Rob, and Ruth.  Bob was a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and also the American Legion, Post #47.

            During the Korean Conflict, Bob proudly served his country as a Naval aviation ordnance specialist in the United States Naval Reserves. His love of country as a former Boy Scout, Naval reservist, and veteran ran deep. After his service, Bob entered a career in sales, which eventually led him to move to Fort Wayne. He was a District Sales Manager for Skil Power Tools and Shop-Vac Corp.

            In his spare time, Bob enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake Michigan, where he spent many happy summers on his boat, the Cyn-Rob-Ru.  Later in life, he pursued his love for woodworking and sold his rustic custom furniture and birdhouses in various local craft shows and was a vendor for many years at the Grabill Fair.

            After the passing of his loving wife in 1997, Bob found a way to give back to the community and co-founded Three Rivers Visiting Dogs, a volunteer organization of trained therapy dogs and handler teams. He served as President of this organization for over 20 years. Bob and his therapy dog teams brought much joy and comfort to patients, staff, residents, students, and families in Northeast Indiana. He developed specialized teams to provide therapy for Hospice and Burn Unit patients.

            Bob was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, whether it be family, friends, or neighbors. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. Above all, Bob loved his family wholeheartedly, along with his faithful canine companions.

            He is survived by his three children: Cyndi (Bruce) Ringrose, Rob (Carol) Everest, and Ruth (Tim) Hacha. He was grandfather to seven grandchildren: Chris Ringrose, Tim (Nicole) Ringrose, Bethany (Bob) Herlien, Jason Everest, Dave Everest, Katie Hacha, and Allie Hacha. He took great delight in his four great grandchildren: Corinne Ringrose, Tyler Ringrose, Samuel Herlien and Eleanor Herlien. He is also survived by several nieces and a nephew.

            Bob is predeceased by his wife, Joan, his great granddaughter Louisa Herlien, and his siblings: Betty Fusco, Marilyn Voelker, and Bill Everest.

            Visitation is from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Monday, November 20, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805. The funeral will take place at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to service. Following the service, burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne.

            The family’s preferred memorials are to Three Rivers Visiting Dogs or Stillwater Hospice.