Robert Stanley Colton

Robert Stanley Colton was born July 27, 1935 in New Westminster, British Columbia, to the proud parents of Helen and Stanley Colton. His brother, Thomas Alfred, was four years older. Thomas later married, and with his wife, Martha, “Marti”, had three sons, Dereck, Craig and Kent.

Bob’s family divided their time living in Canada and the United States. In Canada, they spent time in Prince Rupert, Vancouver and North Vancouver. In California the family spent time in Redwood City, Bakersfield and northern Los Angeles.

Bob’s mother, Helen, died in 1948 from pneumonia. In 1951, Stanley married Alice Frezen, the nurse for his chiropractic practice and family companion. After Stanley died in 1986, Bob continued to watch over his stepmother Alice.

At age 18, Bob joined the United States Air Force. He made a career of the military, serving 26 years, 2 months and a few days. Bob earned the rating of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8), and had specialized training in radar defense and air traffic control.

When Bob was first enlisted, he was assigned to remote destinations for military duty. When he became an American citizen, he was eventually assigned better tours. Bob traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and the world including Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, Florida, Canada, Panama, Germany, Japan and Thailand. On furloughs, Bob utilized his opportunity to “see the world”.

Bob had memberships in many Military organizations. He belonged to the American Legion, NAUS, the Non-commissioned Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Air Force Association.

At age 44, after his retirement from the Air Force, Bob started a new career. With his military training, and some additional education, Bob worked for the Federal Aviation Administration in air traffic control. He retired from the FAA in 1997, after serving 19 years.

In his 60’s, Bob decided to enroll in more continuing education and eventually worked with H and R Block Tax Preparation. Bob had always kept himself busy and productive in his community.

Another major devotion of Bob’s was the Free Masonry. Bob joined his first Masonic Lodge in 1961, in Duluth, Minnesota. Within the Masons, Bob was an active member of The Shrine, Jesters, Scottish Rite, York Rite, and the National Sojourners. Bob had memberships in the Maritime Lodge, Walter F. Meier Research Lodge, Nile Temple, Duluth Minnesota Lodge, and the Quetzalcoatl.

In 1980, Bob moved to Seattle, Washington and through the Shrine, met Gerda Sethmann. Gerda was widowed in 1987, and on February 20, 1990, she and Bob married. Through their connection with the Masons, Bob and Gerda socialized and traveled constantly to various functions, as well as personal vacations to Hawaii. Bob was surrounded by the memories of their travels by an assortment of personally named stuffed animal souvenirs. Through Gerda, Bob was introduced to a whole new circle of friends, including her Danish friends and boating friends from the Queen City Yacht Club.

Bob also inherited a stepfamily. This includes Gerda’s son, Skip Sethmann and wife, Patty, her two children, Ryan and Shannon and their spouses, a great grandson, Elliott and, in January 2013, a great granddaughter, Siena. Also included, are Gerda’s daughter, Karen and husband, Patrick Ziarnik and their dog.

Because of his wisdom, organization and experience, Robert Stanley Colton was able to lead a full 77 years of life. What a wonderful role model Bob has been to his family, friends and admirers. Bob will be missed and never forgotten.