Robert W. Corl, fondly known as Bob, died peacefully on Saturday evening, May 6, 2023, at the age of 75. He had a long struggle with congestive heart failure.
He served in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971 and his status as a combat veteran was always a source of pride for him. At heart, Bob was a musician and performer. He contributed greatly to the arts in Yelm as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, music teacher, and tenor opera singer, as well as actor, producer and author. He was formally educated in music and achieved a master’s degree in opera performance from Temple University. He held a variety of successful careers from real estate (serving as director of the Washington State Board of Realtors for a time) to teaching medical software. One of his great works in life was recording an opera CD of his favorite arias with the China Opera and Dance Symphony of Beijing (https://rcpublications.com/ music/#recordings).
Bob also loved riding motorcycles and always had one nearby during the six decades that he enjoyed the feel of nature out on the open road. Though Bob originated from New York, he fell in love with the trees of Western Washington and made this place his home in 1998. Bob lived life largely and always said that the most important values in life were love, a sense of humor and courage. His was a life well lived.
He was dearly loved and will be missed by his wife, Heidi A. Haslinger Corl; his children, Jeff Giacobe, Robert D. Corl, James Corl, Annie Corl-Hobson, Charlie Corl and Galen Wicks; and stepsons Jesse and Jeremiah Nubbe; as well as his extended family and many friends in the community. He was a day-maker wherever he went, touching the lives of those he met. Many people in our community knew and appreciated him.
For those who wish to pay their final respects to Bob, there will be an open-invitation military service at 9 a.m. sharp on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Tahoma National Cemetery at 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, Washington, 98042. People should arrive 15 minutes early to gather in the vehicle lineup ahead of entry. You are welcome to attend.
