Bob Biddle died in Coupeville July 30, 2010, of complications of leukemia. He was born Sept. 2, 1924, in Whittier, Calif., to Herbert and Olive Biddle. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor “Lou” Stewart Biddle; daughter Barbara Dale (Aubrey); son Bruce Biddle (Judy); brothers Herb, Don and Larry; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Linda Biddle Marksberry.

Bob’s military career began at age 16 in the Arizona ROTC and he served as a medic with the legendary Bushmasters at age 17. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and saw World War II action in the Aleutian Islands and in the South Pacific. Bob also served during the Korean conflict and with the American Red Cross in Vietnam. He saw two deployments on the USS Midway. Bob received many awards and commendations for his service to his country.

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Biddle was well known as a no-hit pitcher for Navy fast-pitch softball teams. He was a Sea Scout skipper in Anacortes. After retirement he worked for the Oak Harbor School District and with the Oak Harbor Police Department. He and Lou traveled worldwide and lived for a time in Tucson, Ariz. Bob enjoyed square dancing, golfing, dude ranch wrangling and served as a docent at the Pima Air and Space Museum. His last few years were devoted to preserving the memories and artifacts of his beloved PBY Seaplane.

There will be an open house in Bob’s memory at the PBY Museum, Building 12, on the Seaplane Base, Saturday, Aug. 7, from noon to 4 p.m., with military honors to be rendered at 2 p.m. Chief Biddle’s last wish was that memorials be made to help pay for the PBY5-A that is now on display at the museum. Checks can be made to the PBY Memorial Foundation, PO Box 941, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, or at the open house.