Robert E. Tull, Jr. passed away in Oak Harbor on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the age of 73. Bob was born in Mcpherson, Kan. on Feb. 1, 1940 to Robert E. Tull, Sr. and Wilma Kelso Tull. Bob spent most of his early years in Redmond, Ore. where his parents owned a photography and printing shop.
In 1957 the family moved to Oak Harbor and opened Studio Tullé. Bob graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1958 and continued to work in the business, developing his skills as a professional photographer. Bob served in Military Intelligence in the US Army and was discharged in 1966 after three years of service. He returned to Oak Harbor, working at Studio Tullé with his parents until their retirement in 1978 when he took full ownership of the business. He sold Studio Tullé in 1986.
In 1966, while in Europe with the military, Bob meet Sibylle (Billie) Golzinger in Tuebingen, Germany. They were married in Oak Harbor on September 19, 1967. Together they had three children Robert (Robi), Michelle, and J’harv.
From 1970-1999 Bob and wife Billie owned and operated the Oak Harbor Gymnastics School. Bob enjoyed coaching and a number of his students participated in the national qualifications for Olympic Trials.
Health issues forced him to sell the gymnastics school, but he still enjoyed the opportunity to work with children by volunteering his time at the Teddy Bear Child Care Center, a business owned by his wife, Billie. Bob also loved to fish and was an avid bowler.
Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Billie, children Robert E. Tull, III of Oak Harbor; Michelle Tull of Oak Harbor and J’Harv (Anita) Tull of Leander, Texas. Also surviving is a brother, Clifford Tull of Oak Harbor and a sister Myrna (Douglas) Zitek of Portland, Ore. Three grandchildren also survive.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Wilma and two brothers, Kenneth and Ronny Tull.
Services for Bob will be held at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 8 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jeffrey Spencer presiding and Pastor Marc Stroud providing the eulogy. A reception will follow in the church hall. Due to family allergies, no cut flowers please. Plants or donations to the following charities are encouraged: Hospice of the Northwest, Friends of Home Health, or the Brotherhood of St. Bernard. Addresses may be found at the Wallin Funeral Home website; www.wallinfuneralhome.com
Bob will be buried beside his parents at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore. Share stories or memories in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at their website.
