Robert E. (Bob) Lattin, an Elma native, and a long-time resident of Richland, Ore., passed away at his home in Middleton, Idaho, on Sept. 19, 2016, at age 86.

Robert was born on Jan. 15, 1930, to Patrick Vernon and Nina (Bruneau) Lattin in Elma, Wash. He was raised in Elma, attended White Star Elementary School, and graduated from Elma High School in 1948 where he played on the football team.

He subsequently served two years in the U.S. Army, including one year stationed in post-war Germany where he worked in the signal corps installing telephone and communication lines. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Elma where he worked many years as a lineman for West Coast Telephone Co. in both Elma and Montesano, and where he helped oversee the transition from operator-only calls to dial telephones. He was also president of the Elma Eagles in the 1960’s.

On Feb. 21, 1954, he married Lillian Sarff. They had four children, twins Robin and Patrick, daughter, Julie, and son, Michael. In 1969 when another company purchased West Coast Telephone Co., Robert moved his family to Sandpoint, Idaho where he worked for General Telephone Co., subsequently moving to Halsey, Ore. where he managed a privately-owned telephone company, and in 1973 he purchased the Eagle Valley Telephone Co. in Richland, Ore. He built the small company into a series of companies, always keeping up with the latest telecommunications technology, which included a cable TV company, a cell-phone company, and a construction company, becoming the largest employer in Richland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Patti and Becky, and a brother, Randy. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lillian, of Baker City, Ore., his sister, Beverly, of Auburn, Wash., his four children, Patrick (Kathy)of Richland, Ore., Julie Daly of Baker City, Ore., Robin (Doug) Schrade of Middleton, Idaho, and Michael (Rusti) of Richland, Ore., six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by 2 cousins, Russell Rattie and Shirley Henneck of Elma.

Robert loved to fish, and in his retirement he spent many vacations fishing with his daughter, Robin, and her husband, Doug. He spent many enjoyable times in the nearby Wallowa Mountains at the family cabin, and in 1997 he took the trip of his dreams, driving to Alaska with his brother-in-law, Charles Potts of Seattle. Robert served as an EMT in Richland and was a member of the Lions Club.

He will be dearly missed as a husband, father, and friend.

A private graveside service will be held at the Eagle Valley cemetery in Richland, Ore., followed by a memorial dinner at the Richland Grange Hall. The family wishes to thank Hospice for its excellent care and services provided for Robert.