Robert Leroy Jackson (Bob) passed away on Nov. 24, 2010 at age 85.

He was born June 22, 1925.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth (Ruthie); two daughters, Sharie Marshall (Bill) of Langley and Jennette Cruthirds (Mike) of San Diego, Calif.; and a son, Jim Jackson (Karen) of Forest Grove, Ore. He leaves seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Bob was the eldest son of Art and Lucille Jackson, lifelong residents of Whidbey. He attended Langley High School and left school to serve in the Navy during World War II. He was discharged in Boston, Mass. in 1946

He met Ruthie, the love of his life, in Oakland, Calif. In 1946, she traveled from California to Boston, where they were married in the courthouse. The couple honeymooned their way back to Whidbey Island.

He served his country again a few years later during the Korean War.

Returning from the war, he continued to work for the Bell Telephone Company in Southern California as a training supervisor while returning to school to finish his education.

Ruthie and Bob raised their three children in Southern California until Bob retired in 1980.

He and Ruthie then returned to Whidbey Island, but did not stay long. As both Bob and Ruthie loved to travel, they bought an RV and traveled the entire “lower 48,” making friends throughout the country.

On June 9, 2007, Bob and Ruthie’s children gave them a surprise garden wedding at the home of Patrick (grandson) and Kathy Marshall, with friends and family coming from all over. A great day was had by all, and they finally had their “wedding.”

At Bob’s request, there will be neither funeral nor memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Whidbey Bayview Senior Center’s “Time Together Program.”