A memorial service is planned next Tuesday for longtime West Seattleite Bob Gamrath. Here’s the remembrance his family is sharing:

Robert Gamrath passed away peacefully on September 13, 2016, at 93 years of age.

Born in Opheim, Montana, Bob grew up on the family ranch. Bob attended Opheim High School. At age 22 Bob met Mary Trichilo while he was stationed on Treasure Island in the U.S. Navy. Mary and Bob were married in 1945, came to Seattle on their honeymoon, and ended up living in West Seattle for the rest of their lives. Mary preceded Bob in passing in 1999.

Bob was the father of Sandra, Christy, Thomas, and David Gamrath – all of Seattle. Thomas preceded him in passing in 1975. Bob’s brothers Elmo, Dwight, and Jay also preceded him in passing.

Although Bob left Montana for Seattle in 1941, Bob always held Montana near in his heart, and visited often throughout the years. After completing his apprenticeship as a machinist, Bob joined the Civil Aeronautics Administration in 1947. Bob joined Boeing in 1953 in Shop Load. Bob excelled at Boeing, steadily advancing, and reached the level of Vice President, General Manager of the Fabrication Division, with responsibilities covering Boeing’s manufacturing facilities in Auburn and Seattle, WA, Portland, OR as well as in Georgia and Canada. Bob retired from Boeing in 1988.

Bob stayed active in his retirement, including volunteering in many leadership positions, including at the Italian Club of Seattle. A handyman’s handyman, Bob was highly skilled at carpentry, electrical, plumbing, machining and other skills, and spent much time in these endeavors.

Memorial services and burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 6701 30th Ave SW, on September 20, 2016 at 10:00, with a viewing beginning one hour earlier.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)