Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Hibbard, retired
March 5, 1931- October 13, 2020
In loving memory:
Bob Hibbard
Bob was born in Pocatello Idaho, but he considered Seattle his home. His mother, Blanche, moved and settled the family (James, Betty, and Richard), to the Beacon Hill area of Seattle when Bob was very young. Bob attended Garfield High School, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. His hobbies were fishing, traveling bridge, and spending time with his family.
He received a full athletic scholarship to Central Washington College to play football and was named an All American. Bob was inducted into the Central Washington University Hall of Fame for football in 2006. Upon graduation he coached and taught at Camas Junior High School then Bellevue High School.
Bob was a proud, 27-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He bravely flew The F4 phantom during three tours in Southeast Asia, with over 400 completed combat missions. He was also a graduate of the Naval War College in 1972.
Upon retirement, Bob returned to Central Washington University and earned a Master’s degree in Industrial Arts. He taught at Snohomish High School until he reconnected with his high school sweetheart Carolyn. They were married in 1991 and traveled the world together until her death in 2018.
Bob is survived by his children: Cheryl (Thomas) Britton, James (Marie Mihail) Hibbard, Kenneth (Onanong) Hibbard. Step children: Cathy (Robert) Ramer, Linda (Kurt Festinger) Bergeron, Robert (Donna ) Bergeron. Grandchildren: Katharine (Kevin) Bray, Scott (Kathleen) Britton, and Mark Britton. Step grandchildren: Brienne ( Daniel) Wright, Jesse (Claudia) Ramer, Megan (Matt) Higgins, Brittney (Benjamin Katz) Bergeron, Zachary (Kaitlyn Wasley-Williams), Shawna Williams, Luc Bergeron and Colette Bergeron. Great grandchildren: Chelsea Britton, Connor Britton, Emilia Bray. Step great grandchildren: Blake and Nathan Wright, Scarlett and Vivian Ramer, Annabelle and Wesley Higgins, Daphne and Zephyr Katz-Bergeron, and Johnathan Wasley-Williams.
In Lieu of flowers please send donations to disabled American Veterans Fund.
A virtual memorial service will be held at a later date
5 Responses to “Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Hibbard, retired”
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Bob was a great husband to my mom, a great host for family get-togethers, a great fan of the Seahawks/Huskies/Mariners/Cougs, a generous grampa to my kids, and a great step dad to me. He’ll be missed and we loved him lots!
I did not know Bob, but I had one Combat tour, the idea of 3 tours is miraculous. God bless this family. Bubba Craighead
DaNang-Takhli 1971-72
I had the great honor and privilege to serve with Bob on two of his tours in Southeast Asia (1966 at Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam and Udorn Air Base, Thailand, 1972). He was affectionately and respectfully call “Big Bob” due to his no-non sense demeanor and his inherent leadership, on the ground and in the air.
Our friendship continued well beyond our careers, and My wife Peggy and I spent a couple of days with Bob and Carolyn shortly after their marriage in 1991. What a great time it was! We traded Christmas cards until 2018 and didn’t know why until Bob’s obituary published in this current edition of the Ratnet Digest. May they rest in peace!
To all of Bob’s and Carolyn’s family: Your parents truly made the world a better place in which we are still blessed to be a part of. Their greatest gift was the influence of love for everyone!
Blessings to all of you,
Dick and Peggy Toliver
Litchfield Park, AZ
I believe I found his mittary tags out side my job not sure if it’s his.
We met Bob at bridge in Indianola perhaps fifteen years ago and really enjoyed his company. What a lively, witty, man! Full of fun and sharp repartee. He will be missed.