In Memoriam: Robert M. Reuter
Connie Klein
Longtime member of the Olympia Chapter Bob Reuter passed away August 6, 2007, at the age of 78. Bob was born October 18, 1928, in Bronxville, New York. He spent his childhood in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Tucumcari, New Mexico. His pattern of living was learned during those early years and included service to God, his country and his community. He married Lucy Hudson in 1953. After graduation from college and Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Following a series of troop command and staff assignments and aviation school, he commanded the Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter Company in Vietnam in 1963. After his service in Korea, he and Lucy and their daughters, Becky and Kathy, lived throughout the United States and Germany. They enjoyed camping as a family and visited many of the western national parks, as well as those along the East Coast.
Bob was a Senior Army Aviator and he received many military awards. He was dedicated to serving the church and community wherever they lived. During their time in Germany he organized a group of their friends to visit and give birthday parties at the local orphanage. He was also involved in Boy Scout activities, and was a lay reader in the Army chapels where the family attended. In 1972 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico Military Institute and his Master of Science degree from Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania. Bob retired from the Army with a rank of full Colonel in 1980 after 30 years of service. Bob and Lucy are charter members of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church in Lacey, Wash. They have always been active in their church.
Bob was a Master Gardener and had a wealth of knowledge of rhododendrons and companion plants. He was a sports enthusiast and had a great appreciation for classical music. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren and other kids how to fish. He loved inventing gadgets and had a new solution to the mole problem every year. They didn't always work, but he sure enjoyed the process.
Bob was very active in the Olympia Chapter of the ARS and served the chapter in the capacity of publicity chairman for many years. He was always willing to help when we cleaned the park in March, made sure there was plenty of publicity about the May Show and also arranged for the chapter to use his church for the Christmas party.
As his final act of service and in order to help research in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, Bob participated in several clinical studies conducted by the University of Washington. He was a brave, kind and generous man and will be missed by the many people who knew him. He always lived his life to the fullest.
He is survived by his wife, Lucy, their two daughters and sons-in-laws and six grandchildren.