Robert “Bob” Howard Wilson, 78, passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on Dec. 17, 2010.

He was born Aug. 23, 1932, to Walter S. and Lillian (Wilson) Wilson in Colorado Springs, Colo. His family moved to Port Townsend when he was a small child. As a boy, Bob delivered the newspaper including delivery to the local priest and nuns at the Manresa Castle. Following high school Bob joined the Navy where he served at Whidbey Navel Air Station, Oak Harbor. While serving he married and had four children. As a general contractor, Bob owned and operated Vaughan and Wilson Construction, with long- time friend and partner David Vaughan. Their custom homes are still admired in and around the Coupeville area. His career in construction began following his military service and includes residential and commercial construction throughout the states of Washington and Alaska.

In 1988, he met and married Joanne Boyer of Oak Harbor. While traveling in their motor home throughout the western United States, they enjoyed camping, fishing and Mariners spring training. He was a lifetime member of both the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge 2362 and the VFW Post 7392 where he loved sharing experiences with his friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers William and James. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; his beloved dog, Max; his children, Robert (Barbara) of Everett, Shari (Tom) Evans of Fort Myers, Fla., Janie (John) Fout of Charlotte, N.C., and Lynn Shawback (Steve Humphries) of Snohomish; stepchildren, Kathy (Robert) Reinstra and Cindy (Gene) Watson, both of Oak Harbor, and Carla (Vince) Terlaje of Bothell; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and nephew, Stephen Wilson and niece Amy (Terry) Khile.

Bob had many special friends and was loved by all his Elk brothers and sisters.

A Memorial Service was held Dec. 20 at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. Burley Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with his arrangements. Friends and family may leave memories and signatures at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.