Robert I. Pirtle, 84, died Dec. 3, 2010, at Grays Harbor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Aberdeen.

He was born July 25, 1926, in Buckley to Jim and Bessie (McDowel) Pirtle. He had been a longtime resident of Cosmopolis, Wash.

He entered the Army Air Force during World War II at Keesley Field, Mo. He was an aircraft radio repairman and received the Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and qualified as sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged as a corporal from the 13th Army Air Force at Fort Lewis following the war. He worked as a logger with his father and in the early 1960s, was an Aberdeen policeman and worked for Garrett Trucking prior to delivering fuel for Houghton Distributing, from which he retired. He remained active in retirement by driving cars for Five Star dealerships and making deliveries for Quest Diagnostics.

He loved being outdoors, especially fishing in Canada, elk hunting in the Clearwater area, camping and clam digging.

He married Patricia Ann Parmenter April 12, 1969, in Montesano. She died Dec. 24, 2008.

He is survived by sons Vern Pirtle of Olympia, James Pirtle and wife Diane of Bremerton, Clay Pirtle and wife Misty Lynn of Spokane, Tony Rowland and wife Sally of Port Angeles and Donnie Pirtle and wife Karen of Joplin, Mo.; daughter Tina Nilsson and husband Gus of Cosmopolis; brother John Pirtle of Central Park, Wash.; sisters Lois Paskas of Aberdeen and Jeannie Noble of Yelm; 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service took place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, in the Coleman Mortuary Chapel in Hoquiam with the Rev. Robert Hoem officiating. A potluck celebration of his life followed at the 40 et 8 Club in Aberdeen.

Arrangements are by Coleman Mortuary, 422 5th St. in Hoquiam.

All are invited to record thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.