Robert E. Lightfeldt

Bob Lightfeldt passed away December 15, 2012 at the age of 94 after experiencing a stroke last month.Mr. Lightfeldt was instrumental in changing the face of downtown Kirkland. He spearheaded the drive for the reconstruction of award winning Lake Plaza, converting Commercial Avenue to the tree lined curving Park Lane, and creating the Lake St. parking lot. He successfully worked with property owners to provide the funding to support these projects. He also served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for 8 years, was a Chamber board member and was president of several downtown merchant associations and worked tirelessly on parking challenges. Bob and Betty, his wife of 63 years, owned Betty’s Apparel in Kirkland for 40 years before she passed away in 2003. They purchased the former Burke and Farrar building in 1965 and remodeled three downtown buildings. They also owned Shady Lady in Totem Lake and Factoria, Satin Lady in Factoria, Betty’s Juanita Village, Kids Stuff and Pants’n Tops. Bob was active in the business after early retirement from Boeing. He also enjoyed doing most of the build outs for his stores. He will be greatly missed by daughter Karen, son Lorn (Linda), grandson Trevor (Tania), and many nieces and nephews. A graveside memorial service will be held January 14, 2013 at 1:00 at Sunset Hills cemetery with reception following. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to Evergreen Hospice.