Robert Eugene Tollison passed on from this world March 1st, 2026. Just as the sun was setting behind the Horse Heaven Hills in the colorful sky, he took his last breaths with his family at his side. He left behind his wife of 56 years, Rita N. Tollison and his daughters Amy Coleman and Christal Killman, as well as 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Robert was born August 15, 1953 in Lewiston, Idaho to Robert Fulton and Evelyn Rose Tollison. He was the middle child between an older brother, Arthur, and a younger sister, Linda. The Tollison family moved to Pasco, Washington in the 1960's where he met his future wife and partner in middle school. Later, they married and had their first daughter, Amy.

In his early adulthood, Bob became a pipefitter welder and moved around Washington working on construction sites in places like the Hanford site and in Longview. A few years later they welcomed a daughter, Christal, completing their family of four. After an injury, Bob began visiting a local chiropractor, Dr. Theodore Wenham, in Pasco. While under Dr. Ted's care, Bob discovered an interest in healthcare and pivoted his career. He decided to return to school to become a doctor of chiropractic, a decision that changed his family and his future.

Bob took prerequisites at Columbia Basin College and eventually moved his family to Davenport, Iowa to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1983. This move was a significant sacrifice, leaving the comforts of Pasco, Washington, including Rita's parents, Burke and Betty McCoskey. The move, to a small trailer with a young family, was proof of the agreement and commitment Bob and Rita shared for his goal. The whole family learned about chiropractic and alternative healthcare that became an important pillar to Bob and Rita as they raised their family.

In 1985, Bob was nearly done with his doctorate and moved the family and that trailer to Phoenix, Arizona to complete his apprenticeship. While Bob did fall in love with the warm climate and desert air, it was Rita who requested they return home to Pasco and to family, after graduation. He was fortunate to begin working under that same Doctor who helped inspire this life changing decision, Dr. Ted. After establishing a patient base and finding his footing, he moved his practice to Kennewick and founded Tollison Chiropractic Center.

Dr. Bob found a love for wellness and helping his patients in his office. So many of those patients became family and grew together along with his own girls. The family was finally done moving and his practice in Kennewick became the second home, with Rita behind the front desk managing the office and his girls working at any time with paperwork, filing, cleaning, and guiding patients to adjustment rooms. Eventually, even the grandkids were helping in the office. It truly was a family business for the next 36 years.

All through these years Bob created a family focused on God. Wherever they went, in whatever city they visited or dwelled, there was a church of Christ to attend. He was an active member and led by example to work in his church, a favorite duty being song leading. He studied and enjoyed biblical discussions to help himself as well as others grow. His in-laws were pillars to his Christian growth and he made sure they were also instrumental to the growth and wellbeing of his girls.

Dr. Bob was always a hands-on man from his youth. He built an organ, HAM radio equipment and other projects with his own father and went into welding. Even his chiropractic techniques were hands-on, making his day-to-day occupation physical. In his personal time, he would always strive to learn new things and create. He learned how to build, fix and create the projects around the house from home repairs, to laying concrete, and vehicle maintenance and repair. He would always seek information and advice from Burke, his father-in-law, friends, and his own sons-in-law to make sure the job was done well.

In his younger adulthood, Bob learned to fly and became a pilot of small engine planes. He enjoyed taking excursions in the air, at times bringing family. Notable flights included flying over Mt. St. Helens and taking photos from the air. He recounted times to kids and grandkids about when he was feeling daring, doing stunts like freefalling.

Bob and Rita always enjoyed traveling the country, from across the Midwest, to Hawaii and Mexico or around the Pacific Northwest. Driving was a favorite pastime for the two and they enjoyed many random road trips ending up at new diners, new parks, and even all the way to Kellogg, Idaho, just because. Many memories of these road trips are distinguished by which vehicle was used to bring them to their new finds and always back home. Singing on these road trips was always part of the fun, whether using the FM radio or the church song book, which was always found under the seat.

A favorite hobby Bob had from childhood was Ham radio. He and his father bonded over this form of communication. Bob somehow managed to convince his wife, daughters, son-in-law, in-laws and friends to study and obtain their Ham radio licenses in the 1990's and with only a little bribing. His grandson just a few years ago also joined in his hobby and worked with him on numerous fox hunts and local field days.

In his later years, Bob went back to the pipefitter welder Union Hall, Local 598. He played with the idea of getting back into the work, but he really just loved practicing his skills as a welder. He often helped with prepping course work for instructors and tests, and he enjoyed the community of the union hall.

Bob and Rita shared 55 years together, some hard times and beautiful times. Times with family and times with his patients and community. They worked together each day and had a very different rhythm than most couples. Bob retired in 2023 and became Rita's main caregiver during her own health concerns and the family saw a new side of him. Retirement was spending his time caring for Rita and letting his daughters, sons and grandchildren see what putting another first can look like.

The family wants to honor him and his life on April 18th at 11am at the Riverview Church of Christ, and invites and welcomes you to join.