In Memory

Robert Gene Vadset VIEW PROFILE

Robert Gene Vadset

Robert Gene Vadset, born June 27, 1944, passed away on October 7, 2010 after a long and determined battle against heart disease. A proud Ballard native, Robert was the youngest of three sons of Harold and Mabel Vadset.  Harold had emigrated from Norway, and one of Robert's favorite journeys as a young man was his visit with many of his extended family members who still live in Tennifjord.

From a very young age, Robert's unique artistic talents and passion for creativity were noticed by his teachers who generously nurtured these qualities. He graduated from Lincoln High School and continued his art studies at Burnley School. He was a driving creative force in joining with a partner to form Design 2002, providing innovative designs for prominent Northwest commercial developers, and then as cofounder and designer for Soaring Heart Futons.  In more recent years, Robert dedicated himself fully to his individual artistic expression and compiled an impressive body of work that evolved from painting to multimedia and photography. His work has been featured in several Seattle galleries, and he has been described as "an adventurer of the mind, willing to risk everything to get to the next place" in his evolution as an artist.

Robert fell in love 26 years ago with Paula Orr, and they married two years later,  They have been best friends and have served as an inspirational example of a mutually supportive and fun-loving partnership, enjoying opportunities to become world travelers, together exploring arts and cultures to be found in a variety of countries in several continents.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Paula Orr Vadset, his brother Harold (Virginia) and Alan (Barbara), his three nieces, and one gret-nephew.



 
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09/30/13 12:09 PM #1    

Robert A. "Bob" Pederson

I'm not sure how many classmates know about this but I had to attend summer school in 1962 in order to complete my required credits for graduation.  I needed one credit only and took an Art class for this purpose.  I knew nothing about art and struggled to do well in this class.  Fortunately, my good friend Bob Vadset was talented artistically and came to my rescue.  He provided me with several drawings to hand in to the teacher for my final grade.  They were so good that the teacher wanted me to enter "my" work in an art display that summer.  I declined and told her I just wanted to pass the course.  She was disappointed but gave me an "A" grade. Bob could jot down doodle-type drawings and make them look realistic.  Me?  I had a difficult time drawing stick people.  Without Bob's help, I would not have made it through the course. 

Bob was my best friend during my high school years and we were inseperable during that time.  We lost touch with each other in our twenties but our paths crossed several times during the following years and it was always good to catch up with our lives, activities and plans for our future.  Life-long friends can do this.  Pick up where we left off years earlier without having to re-introduce ourselves every time.  This is a gift. 

I will forever be grateful for Bob's friendship in my life.  He was always able to share his experiences and knowledge with me and allow me to make better choices in my life.  Admittedly, I didn't always take his suggestions and I had to stumble along at times.  But, this doesn't change my feelings about our relationship.  Thank you, Bob.  I love you and will always miss you.

Bob Pederson


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