Robert Allen Findlay

Robert Allen Findlay, beloved spouse, brother, uncle and friend to many passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2025, in Olympia, Washington. He was comforted by his loving family, close friends, and hospice care during his final weeks.

Robert was born on July 8, 1941, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Donald and Margaret (Boucher) Findlay, the second of their six children. 

Dr. Robert A. Findlay, FAIA was professor emeritus of architecture at Iowa State University. He had professional degrees from the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, and Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom.  

In the mid-1960s, Robert (Bob) completed four assignments with the Peace Corps: rural school construction in Colombia and disaster management projects in Peru, the Cook Islands, and El Salvador.  

Prior to his teaching career, he practiced with The Cerny Associates architects in Minneapolis and with the St. Paul city planning board in the early 1970s. 

During his 30-year teaching career, Bob emphasized the social purposes and processes of design, led international studies programs in Europe and Mexico, directed the graduate program, and developed Iowa Community Design. He lectured on architecture globally.  

After retiring from ISU in 2002, he and his husband, Lee Haugen, moved to Olympia, Washington. Robert was elected to the board of the National Peace Corps Association. He also served on the Washington State Facilities Accessibility Committee and Olympia’s Design Review Board.  

Always the gardener, Bob designed learning gardens for the Master Gardener program. He was on the conservation board at the Olmsted-designed Dunn Gardens in Seattle. Bob served as historian and archivist for the Dunn Gardens.

A commemorative bench at Dunn Gardens has been installed to honor Bob and Lee. After moving to Panorama, Bob was named Master Gardener of the Year and was invited to become the garden lead in the Panorama Pollinator Garden.  

Bob was a lifelong adventurer who found immense joy exploring the world with Lee. Together, they sought new cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Their shared love for travel created countless unforgettable memories, from relaxing in Mexico to enjoying theatre in London. Closer to home, mountainous Washington state provided Bob with opportunities for downhill skiing and hiking with family and friends. 

A truly extraordinary person, Bob’s generosity and dedication have made lasting impacts on many organizations. Donating suitcases and backpacks to a family and youth resource center offered dignity and comfort to families. He provided scholarships that would empower Tanzanian students with the tools they need to succeed.  

Bob is survived by his brothers Donald Findlay (Bonny) and William Findlay (Ann), sisters Carolyn Knutson (Dennis) and Diane Malick (Ernest) and sister-in-law Lucinda Findlay; five nieces and two nephews; two great-nieces and seven great-nephews; one great-grandniece and one great-grandnephew. He was preceded in death by his spouse, Sheldon Lee Haugen, parents Donald and Margaret Findlay, brother Steven Findlay and sister-in-law Rosa Maria Escude Findlay.

A private family gathering will honor Robert’s life.