Robert Dorward Wheeler, 85, died March 24, 2007, at Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville.

He was a native of Whidbey Island, born in the family home off Waterloo Road on April 30, 1921. His parents, Fred V. Wheeler and Elvira Dorward, moved from Grants Pass, Ore., to the island in 1914. He graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1939.

He served aboard the USS Algorab in the South Pacific during World War II. He worked as a Civil Service sheet metal mechanic at NAS Whidbey until his retirement in 1976. He was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows for over 50 years, and the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor.

He had a passion for boating and photography, and combined the two on many trips with friends and family through the northern Puget Sound islands and up the coast of British Columbia. He was a generally quiet man with a puckish sense of humor and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by a sister, Elizabeth (A.H.) Steinsiek of Oak Harbor; two sisters-in-law, Betty Wheeler of Black Diamond and Rose Wheeler of Marysville and Arizona; nephews Paul, George, and Phil Steinsiek of Oak Harbor, Donald Wheeler of Florida, Perry Wheeler of Everett, Mark Wheeler of Woodinville, Jim Barr of Arizona, Dick and Alan Barr of Monroe, Tom Barr of Idaho, and Bill Wheeler of Kent; nieces Kathryn Lord of Connecticut, Carrie Hartman of Kent, Pam Medgard of Chelan and Eleanor Karnes of Nevada; many great and great-great nephews and nieces; many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Menzo, Fred, Jr., and Bruce; sisters Helen Wheeler, Connie Kindle, and Jean Barr.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor.