Robert Frasier Gropper passed away quietly of age-related complications on April 13, 2007 at the age of 96. Born November 5, 1910, in Missoula, Mont., he had nine siblings, all of whom had preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty years, Gladys, in May, 2006. He is survived by three sons, Robert (Jean), William (Suzanne) and Wilbert, four grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike), Rob, Mark (Terese), Gretchen (Bryan), twelve great-grandchildrn and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was proud of having participated in the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. During WWII he was a ship builder at the Long Beach, Calif. shipyards and also the Vancouver, Wash. shipyards, where he met his wife-to-be, Gladys McLaughlin. After marriage, they moved on to the Willow Run, Mich.? Kaiser Auto Manufacturing Plant. There began a longtime association and friendship with the Kaiser family that led to his becoming the overseer of the Kaiser estate on Orcas Island, Wash.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and proud owner of his boat, “Bear,” that was the site of many family outings.

Robert had over fifty happy years on Orcas Island, which was dear to his heart. A celebration of his life was held April 28 and 29 at the family home in Deer Harbor.