Robert Edward Brockway

Robert Edward Brockway passed away peacefully November 11, 2016 at home in Lacey, Washington, with his wife of 74 years, Helen, by his side. Bob was born March 27, 1918 in Spokane, Washington. His family moved to Bellingham, Washington, and it was there he met his future wife, Helen Josephine Trickey. They were married in 1942. Bob graduated from the University of Washington in 1941 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he went to work in the Design Section of the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. While there, he obtained a degree in Naval Architecture, and later became an Ordnance Engineer. In 1944, the US Navy requested a deferral from military service for Bob due to his key engineering role in the war effort, and it was approved by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Bob helped design the first guided missile cruiser ever built. In 1949, Bob and Helen moved to Seattle, where he worked with the Army Corp of Engineers. Bob eventually worked for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he rose to be Director of Program Planning and Technology for Region 10. Upon retirement in 1977, Bob served as a volunteer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency on an “on call” basis, helping with damage assessment on many disasters. After retirement, Bob and Helen spent seven wonderful years vacationing in Oahu, Hawaii, and later wintered for many years in Mesa, Arizona. They traveled extensively with friends throughout the US, Europe and Mexico. In 2005, they moved to the Panorama retirement community in Lacey, Washington. Bob loved Husky Football and held season tickets for many years. Bob will forever be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the highest priority in his life and he was always there to help with a project, listen to a concern, or take a grandchild for a walk to pick blackberries. Bob leaves behind his wife, Helen, their three children, son Reid E. Brockway (Susan) of Sammamish, WA, and daughters Mariel L. Plaeger-Brockway (Roy) and Ann E. Webster (Jim), of Olympia, WA, and five grandchildren, Carissa Brockway (Derek Baylor), Dylan and Colin Plaeger-Brockway, and Madeleine and Chloe Webster. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there was no memorial service, but on December 3rd his family held a celebration of his long life and raised a glass to his eternal optimism, his work ethic, his welcoming smile and his love for his family. Please leave memories of Bob or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.