In it for the Long Haul

By Bonnie DeCaro-Monahan

Fall 2019


Bob (at right) and his Monday morning volunteer team.

After over 20 years of involvement with the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, Bob Eiene has a rare perspective of how the organization has grown. Filling roles ranging from staff, board member, and now volunteer, Bob has been intentional about playing an active role in addressing food insecurity in our community.

Bob was raised as a Washington dairy farmer and moved to Issaquah in 1964 when there was just one traffic light in the city – at Sunset and Front. He began his career in education in the Highline School district and quickly began his 28-year tenure for the Issaquah School District as a teacher. Over the years, he also served as Superintendent, then Principal, eventually moving on to Personnel Director. His most rewarding role was as principal because “they had a family of people,” much like Bob’s Monday morning volunteer team at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank (pictured here). Bob’s love for family and relationship is apparent in his interactions with his team and in hearing him speak about his four children. Having had two beautiful children by birth, Bob and his second wife Earline decided to adopt two children from Honduras for a family of six; two boys and two girls.

In 1992, at the age of 51, Bob retired from his 33-year teaching career and spent some time working for H&R Block and in the teacher training program at City University. In 1998, Bob’s involvement with John Williams, then current Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank Board Chair and fellow educator, found him in a role as one of only two staff members at the food bank. As a self-described “paid grunt,” he remembers doing a little bit of everything. Once he was able to draw social security, Bob moved to a volunteer position as the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank Board Secretary, implementing things like an employee manual and record-keeping system.

After some time on the Board of Directors, Bob began volunteering in the food bank and is still volunteering every week to this day. When asked about the changes he’s seen at the food bank over the years, Bob shared, “I’ve been amazed from what it was. John Williams said that we were going to be moving from a mom and pop entity to something different [and he was right].” He added, “It’s neat to think of all these people over the years who have contributed, most of them volunteers.”

Back to his love for community, Bob smiled and said, “I tell my wife, the two hours [at the food bank] are the highlight of my week. I’m kind of in a unique group of people and you get to know them.” A beloved member of the team, his Monday volunteer lead and co-volunteer of 19 years, Judy Kenyon, said this of him: “When Bob walks into the food bank on Monday mornings, everyone smiles. He is happy to be there and we are happy to see him. Bob is kind and funny, a good listener, and a great storyteller. He’s our Mr. Rogers.”

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our mission, Bob! You are an inspiration to us all!