SEQUIM — Mary Ann Hudson is taking comfort in the way her community rallied to find her brother.
Robert “Bob” Goss was found dead at the south end of River Road near Sequim on Saturday after disappearing from his sister’s house a week ago today
He was 78.
Goss left Hudson’s Agnew home before dawn Feb. 28. Friends and strangers alike looked for any sign of Goss after his strange disappearance.
“I am very pleased with how the community pitched in,” Hudson said.
“I’m very touched. I love this little community, and Bob did, too.”
The cause of death has not been determined, and that’s just fine with Hudson.
“You can’t change the situation,” she said.
No foul play suspected
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office does not suspect foul play. Goss was found 10 feet away from Hudson’s Grand Cherokee Laredo, which was not damaged.
Nearby residents who were out for a walk discovered the body at 3:50 p.m.
On Saturday, Clallam County Undersheriff Ron Peregrin said Goss apparently died from natural causes.
“I don’t particularly want an autopsy,” Hudson said.
“If it was a stroke or hypothermia, it’s not going to make it any different.”
It wasn’t clear Sunday whether an autopsy would be performed. Peregrin could not be reached for further comment.
Family members believe Goss left the home to get a bottle of his favorite drink — Coca-Cola — and got lost. He had not driven a vehicle in about a year.
Services have not been planned. Hudson said the family was still recovering from the adrenaline rush of searching for their loved one last week.
The five-day search involved the Coast Guard, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and several friends, family members and strangers who searched country roads from Diamond Point to Port Angeles.
Hudson said Goss wanted to have his ashes spread near his daughter’s in the California redwoods.
From Sacramento
Goss moved from the Sacramento area to live with his sister when his health began to deteriorate 2½ years ago.
“He didn’t have any deep friendships here, but he never made an enemy, I’ll tell you that,” said Hudson, who has lived in Clallam County for 14 years.
“He just loved the small-town feel, and he loved the openness of where we lived.”
Goss enjoyed looking out the window to see if Mount Baker was visible in the mornings. He was particularly found of Hudson’s yellow lab, Maggie.
“Bob gave him bacon,” Hudson said.
Hudson thanked everyone who helped search for Goss, or called or e-mailed with their condolences after he was found.
“It was amazing,” she said.
“I’m very blessed that I live here.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
