In Loving Memory of Robert G. Wekell

Born in September 1943, Rob grew up in Orting, Washington, and graduated with the class of 1961. His deep connection to the Puyallup Valley and its people shaped his life’s work and passion for community involvement. From a young age, he was no stranger to the Daffodil Festival, embracing its traditions and values long before formally joining its ranks.

Rob pursued higher education at the University of Puget Sound, earning a degree in Business, Economics, and Math. During his final semester in 1966, Rob was drafted into military service. He proudly chose to join the U.S. Army Special Forces, serving with distinction in the 7th and 12th Special Forces Groups worldwide during the Vietnam War years.

After his military service, Rob returned home to continue his family’s legacy at North Star Glove Company. His career with North Star began officially in 1959 at the age of 16, though he had worked alongside his father long before then. After years of dedication, Rob became Sales Manager in 1974 and was named President in 1980. He retired recently as CEO, leaving behind an enduring legacy of hard work, leadership, and commitment to local industry.

Rob’s passion for the Festival was shared by his wife, Connie, a lifelong educator and tireless advocate for the young people of Pierce County. Their partnership in service to the Daffodil Festival began long before they were officially recognized for their dedication—but in 2010, they were both honored with Honorary Life Daffodilian status, a testament to their decades of unwavering commitment.

Rob joined the Daffodilians in January of 1974, marking the start of his extraordinary 51-year journey with the Festival. He served as Sir Boss of the Daffodilans in 1983 and later as President of the Board in 1992. His leadership, mentorship, and genuine care for the Festival community helped shape the modern Daffodil organization. Connie joined the Daffodilians in August of 1988, the same year she and Rob were married, and quickly became a pillar of support and guidance. She served as President of the Daffodil Festival in 1999, with Rob proudly standing beside her as her Vice President. Later, she continued her leadership as Co-Vice President of Royalty in 2011, helping guide and support Daffodil’s Royalty with wisdom and grace.

In addition to their leadership roles, Connie has long served as a chaperone and steward of the Festival, faithfully walking alongside Rob through decades of dedicated service. Today, she continues to support the Festival’s mission as a board member of the Daffodil Scholarship Foundation, working to provide educational opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Their unwavering commitment to mentoring, encouraging, and supporting the Royal Court and volunteers alike made them beloved figures in the Daffodil community. Together, Rob and Connie poured their hearts into the Festival, embodying its mission of fostering leadership and scholarship for the region’s youth. As Connie carries forward their shared legacy, she remains a shining example of dedication and service to the Daffodil Festival and the Pierce County community.