Robert Pike Becker

Robert Pike BECKER 1922 ~ 2008 Age 86, died peacefully Oct. 17, 2008 at Evergreen Adult Family Home Seattle. Born May 16, 1922 Washington, DC. Son of Col. Ward E. Becker, U.S. Army and Amy Pike Becker. He grew up in Berkeley, CA; Picatinny Arsenal, NJ; Fort Lewis, WA; and Washington, DC. He was a 1941 graduate of Western High School. After military service in WWII, he graduated from Centre College of Kentucky 1949. He was a member of Sigma Chi. After college Bob worked for Burlington Mills, New York City, and then on the Alaska Steam Railway based in Moose Pass between Anchorage and Seward. In 1954, he joined the National Bank of Commerce in Seattle.A Trust Department executive, he enjoyed a lifetime career with the bank and retired as a vice-president in 1985. Bob was a Major in the Army Reserve. He was active in the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown YMCA and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He volunteered for ten years as a Seattle Public School reading mentor and was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church. Bob and his wife Nancy met in Seattle, married in New Haven, CT in July 1956, and lived on Capitol Hill for over fifty years where they raised their five sons. In retirement, Bob and Nancy enjoyed a pioneer lifestyle on the family's small island farm where Bob worked his two draft horses, Amy and Heather. His wife, sons and grandsons shared all the work of the farm. Bob is survived by his loving wife Nancy and sons Tim (Mary), Bill (Ann), Roger (Tina), Tom and Rob; sister Betty Whitmore (Florida), brother Jack Becker (Puerto Rico), six grandsons, five nephews and two nieces. Bob's final years were spent living at the Evergreen Adult Family Home. The family especially thanks his caretakers there for their love and support. To his family Bob leaves his affection, love of the land and of animals, a sense of adventure, and courage. All remember Bob as a friend with quick wit and humor. Memorial services: Plymouth Congregational Church, Sixth and Seneca, November 13, 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to the Downtown Seattle YMCA, the Plymouth Housing Group and the San Juan Preservation Trust.