Robert “Bob” Lightbody, USN (Ret), age 79 of Shelton, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2014, at Capital Medical Center in Olympia.

Bob was born in Tumwater, Wash., on July 8, 1934, to Everett Lightbody and Norma (Bach) Lightbody.

He was raised in both Tumwater and Sunnyside, Wash., and graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1952. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy that same year at the age of 17.

On Jan. 16, 1962, he married Lorraine Cooper in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

He served his country in the Korean and Vietnam wars as a radio operator in VP-17, VP28, V-50 and VP-47 squadrons.

Through his numerous deployments, the couple lived in Oak Harbor, as well as San Diego and Milpitas, Calif.

After his retirement from the Navy as a senior chief petty officer, Bob was employed by Varian and Associates as a radiation technician for 23 years.

After retirement, the couple moved from Olalla to Coupeville and Shelton, Wash., looking for that “perfect” spot.

Bob enjoyed fishing, boating, wood working, reading and, most especially, time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his two sons, Ron (Vicki) Lightbody of Olalla and Rob (Erica) Lightbody of Puyallup; six grandchildren, Alora, Ryan, April, Russell, Breanna and Sean; three great-grandchildren, Cooper, Wyatt and Myles; two brothers, Dick Lightbody of Shelton and Jim Taylor of Kennewick; and one sister, Betty Manning of Shelton.

A memorial service was held 11 a.m. Monday, April 7, at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, Wash. A graveside service took place 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Tahoma National Cemetery with Military Honors.

For those who have fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in Bob’s Name.