Robert Sherrill Julin

Robert S. Julin, 81, of Cedar Falls (formerly of Shoreline/Seattle Washington) died, at home, from natural causes on Friday, March 25, 2022.  He was born in Everett, Washington, son of Eric and Elinor (Hultman) Julin.  When he was 11 years old, Bob's father was recalled to active military duty and the family spent a year in Morocco. They returned to Burien, Washington where Bob graduated from Highline High School with the Class of 1959, then attended Pacific Lutheran University graduating in 1964.  On June 28, 1969, Bob married Carolyn Bremer in Kirkland, Washington.  They were a crucial part of each other's lives for 53 years before divorcing in 2021. They loved to ski, canoe, and travel together and both found great joy in discovering new cuisine and learning about their Scandinavian heritage.

Bob taught in the Seattle Public School District for over 40 years, serving James Monroe Junior High, Nathan Hale High, and McGilvra Elementary. He primarily taught physical education, but also taught math for a few years. He was such a beloved teacher at McGilvra, where he spent the majority of his years in education, that the school named the gym after him when he finally retired for good. Bob loved teaching kids and adults about athletics and served as a coach and teacher of gymnastics, swimming, and skiing over the years. He was quite an accomplished gymnast in his youth and young adulthood and could still do a handstand into his 40s.

Bob was a passionate fine woodworker who enjoyed crafting all manner of things, including tine boxes (Scandinavian bent wood boxes) in connection with his Swedish heritage.  He was also a luthier who enjoyed making stringed instruments such as guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, and cigar box guitars.  After his retirement from teaching, Bob began working at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware where he was well respected and earned the nickname "The Oracle" for his knowlege of fine woodworking. Bob loved cooking, whether making his own pasta and sauce from scratch for Italian food, stir frying Asian cuisine, or making large quantities of his shrimp jambalaya. He was also a devoted fan of Seattle teams such as the Mariners and the Seahawks. He enjoyed tuning into their games and never missed one if he could help it.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Sandra Lindgren.  He is survived by: Natalie (Brian) Julin-McCleary; grandchildren: Toby and Sophie Julin-McCleary; brother-in-law, David Lindgren; several nieces and nephews; friends and coworkers of Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, Seattle and Seattle Public Schools.  Bob's family will hold a private memorial service in Cedar Falls and will inurn his remains in the Evergreen Cemetery of Everett, Washington, at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls.