Robert Furlan enjoyed life with large musical repertoire

Robert Joseph Furlan, who enjoyed working with the public and found much to smile about in his 23 years as a Washington state driver's-license examiner, enjoyed music even more.

He was an accomplished and popular local musician who played saxophone, clarinet and flute as well as a few other instruments.

He performed with many Northwest bands, including Friendly Fire, Mojo and the Sentimental Gentlemen. His repertoire included big band and salsa.

For many years, he and his pianist-wife had a jazz combo called Inner Light.

"He departed on his `Big Journey' singing," said Barbara Jean Furlan, his wife of 34 years. "I don't know what he was singing, but he was trying to snap his fingers. What a guy."

Mr. Furlan, a longtime Ravenna resident, died at home Tuesday (Sept. 5) of bladder cancer. He was 70.

Born in Seattle to Inez and Carlo Furlan, he attended Cleveland High School, where he developed a love of big-band and jazz music.

Mr. Furlan worked at several jobs over the years, including performing at Seattle-area events.

His most recent employment was as a driver's-license examiner for the state. He retired in 1992.

He also had worked as a bartender in the Olympic Hotel's Marine Room for 16 years in the 1950s and '60s.

Mr. Furlan was a devout Christian who prayed daily for kindness, patience, tolerance and love - which, his wife said, he had in abundance.

Survivors include children Darcie Furlan, Joseph Furlan and Carlo Furlan, of Seattle; Liza Cowles of Renton; Suzanne Furlan and Mario Furlan, both of Barcelona, Spain; and Jeremy Furlan of Eugene, Ore.; brother, James Furlan of Seattle; sister, Janet Henkel of Ravensdale; and one grandchild.

Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Sunrise Christian Fellowship, 8625 196th St. S.W., Edmonds.

Remembrances may be made to the Bob Furlan Jazz Scholarship Fund at Roosevelt High School, 1410 N.E. 66th St., Seattle, 98115, or Group Health Hospice, GH/Kaiser Foundation, Dept. 4194, P.O. Box 34936, Seattle, 98124.

Staff reporter Charles Brown contributed to this story.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is cbeers@seattletimes.com.