Robert Hedlund
Published October 12, 2005
Robert Edmund Hedlund left this world for his final trip on Oct. 26, 2005, with his family at his side.
He was born Oct. 12, 1928, in Seattle and graduated from Garfield High School.
He worked at the U.S. Postal Service for 39 years, advancing from clerk to postal supervisor to sales specialist in charge of philately.
He represented the USPS in Athlone, Ireland, because of his top performance with stamp sales.
Bob and Connie moved from Shorewood in Seattle to Whidbey Island in 1986.
He loved to spend days on the beach or tending his garden. He was a member of Baby Island Saratoga Club. He had many hobbies such as stamp collecting, rock hunting and shopping.
Bob retired in 1989 and devoted his time to his passions for gardening and traveling.
Bob was one of three who was instrumental in halting a commercial mussel raft enlarging operation in Holmes Harbor, in recent years, after diligent work.
He was known on Beverly Beach for having the largest tomato crop.
He took many adventurous trips over his life. He loved out of the way places, traveled to Eastern Europe on several occasions, and in recent years he wintered in Melaque, Mexico. He also loved to fish and took trips around the Northwest on both land and water. He was planning his next trip until the last days of his life.
Bob was one of three who was instrumental in halting a commercial mussel raft enlarging operation in Holmes Harbor, in recent years, after diligent work.
Bob bravely and gracefully met the challenge of his illness, lung cancer. He never complained but adapted to this unexpected turn in his life.
Bob is survived by his wife Connie Cooley Hedlund, on Whidbey Island; son Bill Shimeall and wife Lita; son Robert C Hedlund and wife Cindy; daughter Nancy Shimeall; grandsons James Hanika, Peter and Drew Hedlund, and C.J. Hope.
Bob leaves also Dolores and Robert C. Todd; Holly (Michael) Burrus, Chris, Gray and Jake; Connie J. Mandler and daughters Heidi and Holly Rose; Rob Todd and sons Robert P. and John; Herbert Todd.
It is suggested instead of flowers, remembrances to Providence Hospice of Seattle or the American Cancer Society are suggested.