Robert John Moren “Bob”

Robert John Moren “Bob” passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the age of 81, surrounded by his children, Lisa and Andrew. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 5, 1944. At 3 years old, he was adopted by Roy and Mable Moren, who raised him in a stable Christian home along with his brother Jim and sister Diane. From early on, Bob was competitive, hardworking, and fiercely independent.

The family moved to Seattle, where he graduated from Ballard High School and met Dorene, the love of his life. She gave him a new motivation to focus on a professional path, which led him to drafting and designing fire sprinkler systems; a perfectly suited career that played to every one of his strengths. His work ethic led him to achieve the highest certifications in the fire sprinkler industry and provided generations of stability for his family. Bob and Dorene married in 1966 and shared over 60 years, raising two children, Lisa and Andrew, and spending cherished years with their grandchildren, Allison and Nathaniel. Along the way, they became “mom and dad” to so many: Nephews and nieces, friends, employees, and co-workers. Their home had a revolving door for anyone in need as people took turns living in their home during hard times. They took care of sisters and brothers and elderly parents without question. And they hosted huge Thanksgivings for friends, family, and strangers.

Bob had a photographic memory and could recall every system he ever designed. He could drive anywhere without a guide. He was a natural-born leader, training people professionally, mentoring them personally, and always encouraging. He developed strong leaders who continue to build on the work he courageously started from nothing.
He solved problems. He worked around every obstacle. He made good choices that steered his family and teams to successful results. He’s best known for his optimism and sense of humor. Nothing was too serious for a misplaced joke. He disarmed people with a light-hearted comment that brightened the mood. He had a thousand one-liners and “Bob-isms” that are legendary for those who knew him. He was the best person to call on your lowest days, and the most fun to celebrate with on the great days. He was faithful and unshakable and beamed “Everything is going to be okay.”

In 2007, Bob and his son developed the world’s first inspection tracking method for fire and life safety systems that redefined how compliance is achieved. Bob’s experience, innovation, and persistence built the systems used today. His patented method is now the National Standard protecting millions of people and saving lives.

In 2017, Bob and Dorene moved to Chandler, Arizona, where they embraced the retired life in the SunBird community. Bob became an avid golfer, reigniting his competitive spirit and constantly refining his beautiful swing while playing with his golf “brothers”.

After a DNA ancestry test by his daughter, Bob discovered his birth mother, Phylis, had passed, but was blessed to be reunited with his half-sister Lori and his aunt Beverly, who both welcomed him with open arms. After more than 75 years, he found peace and restoration in this unexpected discovery that blessed his final years.

His heart was broken in May when Dorene passed away. Through the grief, he made an inspiring effort to find a new purpose and go on new adventures. He got a personal trainer, learned healthier cooking, joined a church, and started to travel before unexpectedly passing away from complications with his kidneys.

In his last days, he mustered the strength for a few final words to reaffirm his love of Jesus, to make sure his daughter was safe, to tell a joke he had saved his whole life to say, and to tell his children that he loved them. He laughed and he cried and he was grateful.

Bob is survived by his children, Lisa Anderson and Andrew (Tracey) Moren; grandchildren Allison (Foster) Himmelstein and Nathaniel Moren; sister Diane (Tom) Saari; brother-in-law Darol Reynolds; and newly found family members, including Lori Graci (John) and Beverly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mable Moren, his brother Jim Moren, and his beloved wife Dorene.

He is dearly, dearly loved and missed.