Cmdr. Robert (Bob) Tull, USN retired, served his family, his community and his country. His life of service ended on Memorial Day, May 28, 2007 at age 83. Bob died peacefully at home of natural causes in the company of his wife and family.

Born in Philadelphia on Jan. 4, 1924, Bob graduated from Camden Catholic High School in 1941 then pursued his dream of becoming an aviator. Bob’s commitment to country spanned a distinguished 27 year career as a US Navy aviator and officer. Entering in the Navy as an Aviation Cadet on Nov. 28, 1942, Bob was called to active duty on May 13, 1943. Ensign Tull received his Navy “Wings of Gold” on Dec. 5, 1944. His career took him all over the globe; Bob held a commercial pilot’s license, a free-balloon license and was designated a heavier-than-air and lighter-than-air pilot. Some of the aircraft he flew included: Corsairs, Piper Cub, N3N-N2S, SNV, SNJ, SBM, SBD, TBM, F4U, Airships, and A3D’s. Through the Navy, Bob had the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science in business management with a minor in finance/economics from the University of Colorado in June, 1958.

Bob married Anna K. Ormsby on May 1, 1945. Together they raised nine children (and were foster parents to three Vietnamese children sent to them by Bob’s sister, US Ambassador Theresa Tull, when South Vietnam’s government fell) during their 37 year marriage until Anna died of cancer in 1982. Bob was also predeceased by his second wife Helen Clarke Tull. Bob married Nancy B. Gilmore on Feb. 1, 1992. Nancy was Bob’s devoted wife until his death. The Tull children so much appreciate her steadfast commitment and the loving care she provided.

Though by roots, an easterner and mid-westerner respectively, Bob and his wife Anna fell in love with Whidbey immediately after arriving here in the summer of 1958. Oak Harbor became home to both as they enthusiastically involved themselves in the community. After retiring from the Navy in August of 1969, Bob and Ann owned and ran several small local businesses including the Whidbey Cinema, Crossroads Motel and R. Tull & Associates, Realty. Bob’s community service included being a Paul Harris Fellow in the Oak Harbor Rotary Club, a Life Member of the Navy League, and active member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church’s Knights of Columbus. He also served on the board of various organizations including Friends of Home Health Care.

In addition to his wife Nancy, Bob is survived by his brothers John Tull, Thomas J. Tull, and Charles Tull and his sister Theresa Tull; he was predeceased by his sisters Betty Waldis and Hazel McLane. Survivors also include his nine children, daughter Patricia Cohick (David) of Oak Harbor, son Robert Michael (Betty) of Ferndale, son Charles of Oak Harbor, daughter Mary Daniel (Matthew) of Brookfield, Conn., son Daniel (Rhonda) of Bellingham, daughter Susanna (David Saporta) of Mercer Island, son Stephen (Andrea) of Seattle, son Christopher (Jeannine) of Bellingham and daughter Anne Wieldraayer (Bob) of Royal City, and his foster children Huynh Mai Trinh, Ngo Tri Thien and Ngo Tram-Tiara.

Bob’s dedication to his family was exemplified by the strong traditions he created. A favorite of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the tradition of taking all the children to “Toyland” after Thanksgiving each year and buying them each an early Christmas gift.

Bob’s 20 grandchildren (and six great-grandchildren) also survive him and brought him much joy. Grandchildren are: Rob Wiegenstein, Chris Wiegenstein, Scott Cohick, John Tull, Michael Tull, Kate Waldo, Mark Tull, Amanda Rubright, Graham Daniel, Alec Daniel, Angela Tull, Kyle Tull, Kevin Tull, Carson Saporta, Grant Saporta, Maddie Tull, Jake Tull, Chloe Tull, Cara Wieldraayer and Erin Wieldraayer.

Bob also included in his affection his wife Nancy’s three children, three stepchildren and 16 grandchildren.

The family would like express gratitude to the wonderful healthcare providers involved in caring for our Father over the last several months. We are especially thankful for the loving and tireless care delivered by both Betty Boatman and Diana Lopez.

A Rosary was said Friday, June 1 and a Funeral Mass was held Saturday, June 2. Both took place at St. Augustine’s church in Oak Harbor. Rev. Philip Raether served as celebrant. Rites of Interment followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to Friends of Home Health Care of Island County (www.whidbeygen.org) or Habitat for Humanity of Island County (PO Box 2279, Oak Harbor 98277).

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.