Rocky was born and raised in Tacoma. He joined the Navy right after graduating from Lincoln High School so he could do what he loved—working with planes. He traveled the Pacific. While stationed in Japan, he met the love of his life, Hitoko Takahashi.

After they married they had their first daughter Kathy. While stationed in California they had their second daughter, Joanne. The Navy saw fit for them to move yet again, this time to Tennessee where they had their third daughter, Dianne. Always on the move, they moved to Okinawa.

Rocky’s mom was still in Tacoma and he wanted to be near her as she was getting on in years. Luckily there was an opening at NASWI. The family moved to Oak Harbor in 1968 and stayed. Finally they had a son, Jimmy.

After retiring from the Navy after 24 years, Rocky worked for Shell Oil Refinery in Anacortes for 20 years. He and his wife traveled the west coast via RV, went to Hawaii several times, and to Japan to see Tonchan’s family. They also went to Washington D.C. and toured the White House.

Rocky passed away surrounded by his children. Tonchan passed away last year. His final Mother’s Day Gift to her is that he is now with her again. He is survived by Kathy Sharkey, Joanne Jimerson, Dianne Baldwin, Jimmy Rochefort, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is missed tremendously.

Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, WA.

Rochefort