Robert Douglas Hitch was born Jan. 24, 1947, in Bremerton, Wash., to Helen M. and Robert L. Hitch. He died Nov. 26, 2009.

He was the second of eight children. Hitch spent his early childhood in Bremerton then moved to West Seattle in 1958.

He joined the Navy in 1965 and was married shortly after to Jerri Jasch. They had a daughter Angela Marie in 1970. Their marriage ended in 1972, and Bob moved to Florida, where he made a living as a painter/contractor. He stayed in Florida until 2002 when he came back to live on Vashon to be close to his family.

Since then, he stayed busy painting, helping family and friends and volunteering. He helped out in the care of his brother Lonnie and his mother Helen until the time of their deaths. Most recently, he was baptized in the Mormon Church.

His family was very important to him, family members said. He was a handsome, loving, adventurous, giving and truthful person with a creative mind, they added, and he will be missed by many.

He is survived by his daughter Angela Lynch, granddaughter Haley Lynch, sisters Nancy Cook of Renton and Terry Hitch of Vashon, brothers Steve (Beth) Hitch of Spokane, Gordon (Julie) Hitch of Independence, Mo., John (Patricia) Hitch of Vashon, Greg (Cindy) Hitch of Port Orchard, as well as many nieces, nephews and many friends.

The family extended thanks to the Mormon Church for looking after Hitch in his final stage of life.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Vashon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Visit the online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.