Robert Lee Aldrich, 87, of Freeland, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Careage of Whidbey.

Mr. Aldrich was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on

Aug. 28, 1922, and was adopted by Harold and Gladys (Kingsbury) Aldrich.

He was raised in Waterloo, Iowa, where he graduated from West High School. Robert attended Iowa State University in Ames, but his college education was interrupted when he entered the Army, in which he served during World War II for several years. Returning to Iowa State, Robert graduated with a bachelor of science degree in engineering.

On July 3, 1942, Robert married fellow college student Beverly June Anderson at LaPorte City, Iowa.

The couple resided in Elgin, Ill. for several years. In 1951, they moved to southern California, where they lived in the greater Los Angeles area until 1965, when they moved north to Bellevue. Whidbey Island became their home in 1995, when they settled in Greenbank, finally moving to Freeland in 2002.

Robert was a ceramic engineer, and was employed primarily with the Honeywell Corp. in design and manufacturing until his retirement.

He was an ardent sports fan, and enjoyed wood carving, golf and bridge. Robert was also an avid reader. He was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity, in which he made many life-long friends. He was also a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and played in the bell choir there. Robert enjoyed playing the piano and engaging in art. Robert was known for his great sense of humor, and would playfully tease children and pets.

Robert is survived by his wife Bev, at home in Freeland; two daughters, Loralyn Simmons (Michael) of Greenbank and Robin Mueller (Gary) of Mukilteo; three grandchildren, Wesley Simmons (Michelle) of Broomfield, Colo., Craig Simmons of Bakersfield, Calif. and Melissa Solberg (Dakota) of Seattle.

A private family ceremony will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.