Robert Mark Auburn

Robert Mark Auburn Obituary
5/20/41 - 2/26/24
Robert Mark Auburn, passed away at the age of 82 on February 26, 2024 at his home in Gig
Harbor, WA. A kind, generous, and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and physician,
Bob was surrounded by the love of his family when he passed away peacefully.
Bob was born on May 20, 1941 in New York City to Robert John and G. Virginia Auburn. Bob
and his two siblings, Lee Ann Applegate and Stephen Auburn, grew up in Falls Church, VA.
They attended the Dulin United Methodist Church. Bob played football at Falls Church High
School and graduated in 1959. He drove a school bus as a student and worked on many cars.
Bob graduated from Washington & Lee University in 1963. In 1967, he graduated from Duke
University with a Medical Degree. He completed his residency at Columbia University in 1971
with a specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era.
During his career as an obstetrician/gynecologist, Bob delivered roughly 4,000 babies and held
several specialities. After several years at the Buenaventura Medical Group in Ventura, CA, Bob
opened his private practice in Ventura (1974-1994). He served as Chief of Staff and various
leadership positions at the Community Memorial Hospital. In 1994, Bob relocated to New Iberia,
LA, where he primarily treated low-income women. Bob was well-known in both communities
for being a caring and competent physician.
Bob enjoyed raising four children with his first wife, Diane Auburn, in Ventura, CA. His second
marriage was to Vickie Lynne Auburn of Ventura, CA. Bob and Vickie moved to New Iberia,
LA, and then El Dorado Hills, CA, together until her passing in 2008. He and Nancy Jennings
Auburn married in 2009, and they moved to Gig Harbor, WA.
During his retirement, Bob enjoyed volunteering with his church’s homeless ministry, reading
history books, investing in real estate and stocks, watching his grandchildren’s sports games (Go
Tampa Bay Rays!), and visiting family and friends. He sponsored a child from Burkina Faso,
Africa, and Bob went to visit him. Although his latter years brought several medical conditions,
Bob approached each with faith, acceptance, curiosity, and by playing “Brandy (You’re a Fine
Girl).”
Bob loved the ocean with a passion. He built a 24-foot motor boat at age 27. His favorite boat
was the Faith, a 50-foot sailboat that he owned for many years. Ever a generous soul, Bob
enthusiastically shared his love for boating and the ocean with his family and friends. He and his
lifetime friend Bob Cordy and their families often sailed to the nearby Channel Islands, and in
1980, they realized their dream of sailing to Hawaii. Bob also loved boating with his father and
brother. Once retired, Bob and Nancy loved cruising, as he always longed to be on the ocean.
Recently, the Faith’s current owner tracked down Bob to inform him that they are restoring the
Faith, which pleased Bob to no end.
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Nancy Jennings Auburn, who continues to reside in Gig
Harbor, WA. He is also survived by his four children, two stepchildren, and eight grandchildren.
His family includes: Mark and Monika Auburn (Alcoa, TN) and their son James; Beverly and
Christopher Januszewski (Ventura, CA) and their daughters Zoe and Lyndsey; Carolyn and
Andrew Wild (Gig Harbor, WA) and their children Matthew, Owen, and Anya; Katie Auburn
(Ventura, CA) and her daughter Olivia; Craig Heins (Oxnard, CA); and Cody and Kelli Jennings
(Santa Rosa, CA) and their son Sawyer. Bob is also survived by his sister, Lee Ann Applegate
(San Antonio, TX) and his brother Stephen and Dianne Auburn (Williamsburg, VA). He is also
survived by many dear friends, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a private memorial service. Donations can be made to: Compassion International,
the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church, or the American Red Cross.

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