Robert Gamrath

Robert Gamrath passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at 93 years of age. Born in Opheim, Mont., he grew up on the family ranch. He attended Opheim High School.

At age 22, he met Mary Trichilo while he was stationed on Treasure Island in the U.S. Navy. They were married in 1945, came to Seattle on their honeymoon, and ended up living in West Seattle for the rest of their lives.

He was the father of Sandra, Christy, Thomas and David Gamrath, all of Seattle.

Although he left Montana for Seattle in 1941, he always held Montana near in his heart and visited often throughout the years. After completing his apprenticeship as a machinist, he joined the Civil Aeronautics Administration in 1947. He joined Boeing in 1953 in Shop Load. He excelled at Boeing, steadily advancing and reached the level of vice president, general manager of the Fabrication Division, with responsibilities covering Boeing's manufacturing facilities in Auburn and Seattle, Wash., Portland, Ore, as well as in Georgia and Canada.

He retired from Boeing in 1988, but stayed active. He volunteered in many leadership positions, including at the Italian Club of Seattle. He was a handyman's handyman, highly skilled at carpentry, electrical, plumbing, machining and other skills, and he spent much time in these endeavors.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in 1999; a son, Thomas in 1975; and three brothers, Elmo, Dwight and Jay.

Memorial services and burial were held at 10 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Seattle on Sept. 20, with a viewing one hour earlier.