Bob Walton passed away peacefully at home in Coupeville Nov. 7, 2002, surrounded by his family.

He was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Mr. Walton was born Aug. 31, 1914, in Auckland, New Zealand, and lived a full life for 88 years. During World War II, he went overseas to serve with the British Army in India, spending time in Iran, Iraq and Italy as well, and was discharged in England with the rank of captain. He returned home from the war and married Margaret Potter, who remained the love of his life for almost 55 years. The couple moved to Hawaii in 1948, became U.S. citizens, raised three daughters and enjoyed 23 years in the islands.

Mr. Walton was a CPA and a partner with KPMG in Honolulu. He retired in 1971 and the couple returned to New Zealand. In 1977, they moved to Washington state to be near their grown daughters.

Mr. Walton’s latest love was watching the Louis Vuitton Cup yachting races in the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand, where he had sailed as a young man. He will be fondly remembered for his keen intelligence, his wry wit, and the honorable way he lived his life.

Mr. Walton is survived by his wife, Margaret; three daughters, Jennifer Walton and her partner David Riordan of Coupeville, Beverley Walton of Kirkland and Roberta Piercy and husband Don of Coupeville; three grandchldren, Virginia Piercy, Zachary Piercy and Matthew Moffett-Walton; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family requests that remembrances be made in Mr. Walton’s name to the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at United Methodist Church, 608 N. Main St., Coupeville.