Robert Thompson Tuttle of Vashon Island, passed away on March 1st, 2011, at the age of 82, surrounded in love by his family.

Robert Tuttle was born to Chester Francis Tuttle and Marjorie Clayton Thompson on August 7th, 1928, in Buffalo, NY.

He graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond, VA, and in 1950 from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. After college he served as a Naval Aviator, then began his career as a commercial pilot with Pan American World Airways, culminating in the achievement of making captain of a 747. In his last few years of flying he joined United Airlines, training pilots to fly overseas routes.

In retirement, he donated many hours to families needing treatment at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, driving the van that delivered patients to and from the airport. He was also a loyal volunteer at Meals on Wheels during his years on Vashon.

He married Anne Virginia Rudisill on March 15th, 1952, and would have celebrated 59 years together this year. Together they made a family of four kids and nine grandkids, and is survived and missed by them all-

Son Tim and wife Diane of Issaquah, Emily and Katie. Daughter Lynanne Raven and husband Gary of Vashon, Andrew Gorton and Erika Raven. Daughter Lisa Cyra and husband Bruce of Vashon, Keller, Aidan and Eva. Daughter Beth Tuttle and husband Henry Haselton of Vashon, Maeve and June.

He is also survived by his brother William Tuttle of Georgia, and sister Elizabeth Slade of Virginia and his many nieces and nephews.

Always a boyscout, he will be remembered as being loyal, kind, patient and honest, and could make a darn good fire.

The family would like to give a very special thanks to Dr. Henry Kaplan and all the staff at Swedish Hospital.

A celebration of Robert Tuttle’s life will be held on Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, at 2pm on Vashon Island, at the Havurah Ee Shalom, 15401 Westside Highway.

Contributions can be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center or to Meals on Wheels.

Paid Obituary.