Robert Neville Tyson, M.D. Obituary (1940 - 2023)

Robert Neville Tyson, M.D., 82, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Kent, Washington. Robert was born on June 2, 1940 to the late Robert and Elizabeth (Mills) Tyson in Gooding, Idaho. He spent his formative years in Moscow, Idaho and maintained a deep-rooted connection to the Palouse throughout his life. After attending high school at the American Community School in Beirut, he returned to matriculate at the University of Idaho. He completed his studies in pre-medicine early and at the time was the first Idaho Vandal to be accepted to medical school after only two and a half years of study. He fulfilled his lifelong dream to become a physician at the Washington University School of Medicine, and completed his residency at the University of Washington. A Board-Certified Neurologist and Internist, he founded the Neurological Specialty Clinic on North Division in Auburn, WA and practiced medicine there for 30+ years. Robert married his wife Phyllis (Thomas) after a 5-year courtship. They celebrated 55 years of marriage in July 2022. Upon retirement, Robert remained active and productive. He was a season pass holder at Crystal Mountain and skied weekly during the season. When the snow melted, he enjoyed cycling and particularly looked forward to rides out to Wilkeson in Pierce County and from Binge, WA to Moscow, ID. He loved swimming in Lake Tapps and hiking in the Cascades. With close, lifelong friends, he hiked to base camp on Mount Everest in Nepal. He also continued to practice medicine on Wake Island in the Western Pacific. Robert had an insatiable interest in nature, world religions, cultures and people. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Tyson. He is survived by his cherished wife, Phyllis Thomas Tyson and their four children: Susan and Clay Winnette of Austin, TX; Robert and Heather Tyson of Maple Valley; Leigh Tyson of Denver, CO; and Bradley Tyson of Kirkland; and his five grandchildren Ellie and Robbie Tyson, Alden and Evelyn Porzel, and Amberly Tyson. He is also survived by his brother Roger Tyson and his family. His life was blessed with wonderful friends and incomparable friendships. Robert's family is grateful to them for their support, kindness and laughter over the years. Robert will be buried near his parents in the Moscow Cemetery, Moscow, Idaho. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that friends and well wishers reflect on their time with Rob and smile.