UPDATE: TACAMO Fallen - Robert Carl "Bob" Roth Jr. VQ-4

August 2, 1944 - May 12, 2025

Robert Carl "Bob" Roth Jr. Obituary https://www.lyndentribune.com/community/obituaries/robert-carl-bob-roth-jr/article_24209b71-347a-4c04-9385-12406b9420df.html

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, no formal service will be held. 

Robert Carl "Bob" Roth Jr., aged 80, of Lynden, WA, passed away on May 12, 2025, joining his beloved wife Valrie (Pat) (McFadden). He died surrounded by family following surgical complications. Born in Cape Girardeau, MO, on August 2, 1944, he was the son of Col. Robert and Lorene (Ruppel) Roth. He had one brother, Steven.  As a military child, Bob lived in various locations, including Japan, which held special memories for him. 

Bob served 19 years in the US Navy as a Petty Officer First Class and was a member of the TACAMO VQ-4 Squadron. Throughout his military career, he worked on several planes and helicopters as an electrical engineer and participated in Search and Rescue missions, jumping from helicopters into the ocean to save lives. Upon retiring from the Navy in 1984, Bob transitioned to the civilian sector, where he applied his technical expertise at aerospace companies such as DynCorp and Boeing, continuing to demonstrate excellence and innovation.

Bob met his wife Pat in Hawaii, and they married on December 6, 1985, in California, MD. In 1988, they relocated to Kent, WA, where Bob began his tenure at Boeing. Over the ensuing years, they moved between Maryland and Washington. Following Bob's retirement from Boeing, the couple settled permanently in Lynden, WA in 2001, a place Bob referred to as his "true home." He had many lifelong friends there, whom he held in high regard and cherished deeply. Bob was known for his quick wit, love of storytelling, and passion for classic cars and car shows, where he won multiple trophies with his 1941 Plymouth. His legacy is one of service, resilience, friendship, and unwavering love for his family.

Bob is survived by his three stepchildren: Terri (Brad) Chase, Steven (Sonia) Chase, and Lisa (Ed) Chase. Additionally, he has two "adopted" daughters: Jackie (Tim) Chapman and Lesley (Mik) Preysz. He and Pat were blessed with seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, no formal service will be held. The family and close friends will conduct a private memorial instead.

The TACAMO Community extends its sympathy and prayer for peace to Bob's family and friends during this time of the passing.