Robert R. Pierce

Robert R. PIERCE Robert 'Bob', age 86, passed away in his home during the early hours of September 13, 2011, after a brief battle with cancer. Born at Virginia Mason Hospital on May 4, 1925 to Roy H. and Ethel A. Pierce, he lived his entire life in West Seattle. He was a Boy Scout achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1943, attended Louisiana State University, and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1950. Bob proudly served in the Army 99th Division during World War II, participated in the Battle of the Bulge, and continued his Army service as a reserve officer until retiring in 1985 as a Lt. Colonel. Stories shared about his service years and training camps enlightened and entertained his family and friends for years. He was interviewed for Robert Humphrey's book Once Upon a Time in War - The 99th Division in World War II. Bob was employed at Boeing from February 1951 until his retirement in June 1987. He worked in Quality Assurance for such diverse programs as the B-52, BOMARC, Lunar Orbiter, and 700 series jets. He was an avid stamp collector for 74 years. Some of his final conversations with Virginia Mason Medical Center staff were about stamps he had collected from their countries of origin. As a passionate golfer for years, he had a six handicap as a young man, golfed his age at 73, and could be found watching the game every week-end after he was unable to play. Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy; daughters Susan Pierce and Marilyn Pierce-Bulger; son-in-law Tom and granddaughter Kelly Pierce-Bulger, and sister and brother-in-law Carol and Lou Dinsmore. Viewing is on Monday, September 19th, 3:00-5:00 pm at Yarington's Funeral Home. Services and burial will be on Tuesday, September 20th, 1:30pm at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.