Robert Fitzsimmons Ill (known to everyone as Bob) was born August 4, 1931in Missoula, MT to parents Robert Fitzsimmons II and Daisy Stephens. Bob died with family by his side on December 19, 2020, following a brief illness.

Bob leaves behind his wife Jo; daughters, Nancy (Jeff) Edwards and Kathy (Ron) Moorhead; son, Mark (Annie) Fitzsimmons; along with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Emily (Lotzenhiser) and Jeanne (Edwards), and a much-loved son, Robert Scott.

Bob's family moved to Spokane, WA when he was in the sixth grade, followed by graduating from Lewis & Clark High School in 1949 as a member of the State of Washington High School Championship basketball team that year. He played guard, and had a wicked hook shot.

Bob moved on to Washington State University, joined Alpha Tau Omega fraternity where he served as President, and was a member of the honorary society, Crimson Circle. He was also a 4-year ROTC member while at WSU. He met his wife Joanne Daly at WSU, and married in 1955 as a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force.

Like most Air Force families, children came and duty stations multiplied until Viet Nam claimed his wings during the Tet Offensive, flying a U-10 on solo flights, providing his own navigation. After flying 415 missions, receiving a Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and several air medals, he returned to the United States in 1968. The family then moved to Germany where Bob was eventually promoted to colonel while working for the US Air Force arm of NATO. The family returned to "the states", and two years later, Bob retired from the Air Force and the family returned to Washington State.

In 1975, Bob worked for the State of Washington as a legislative auditor, then accepted a position as the Assistant Superintendent of Western State Hospital, which he held until his retirement from state service in 1997, while also teaching part time at Pierce College.

During the retirement years, Bob and Jo spent lots of time in Long Beach, Washington, along with friends and grandchildren, with Bob working part time at the Visitor's Bureau.

Those who knew Bob during his life often remarked that he was the "nicest man they ever met", and his passing has left us all to reflect on this genuine, adored man and the gifts of his time and love that we will treasure for the remainder of our lives.

A private family ceremony will mark Bob's passing, and in lieu of flowers, additional family and friends are asked to donate to a charity of their choosing, or be kind to a stranger and tell them "Bob sent you". It doesn't get any better than that.