Robert William Dixon

Robert William Dixon, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died quietly in his sleep on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at the Veterans Hospice in Spokane, Wash.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, Keith, Joel, Valerie, Victoria, Deianira and Kevin; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Anna Maius of Las Vegas, Nev., and Martha Williams of Cold Spring, Ky.

He was born in 1929.

Robert served in the U.S. Air Force from 1944 to 1955 when he received an honorable discharge for honest and faithful service.

He loved flying and had his pilot's license by the time he was 17. He was a poet, an artist, a craftsman and a rustic gourmet cook.

While working for the Forest Service as a camp cook, the men would return home a few pounds heavier than when they left. At chili cookoffs, he always came home with a trophy.

Robert was a man of many talents and a heart of gold. He will be sorely missed.

He was a life member of the National Rifle Association of American, joining on Jan. 31, 1978. He also was an active member of the Friends of the NRA. Robert was a range master of the rifle range until his health wouldn't let him.

At his request, there will not be a memorial service but he will be forever in our hearts.