Robert Emmett Dignon

Bob was born in Ellensburg October 5, 1907 to William and Mamie Vertrees Dignon, and grew up in Seattle graduating from West Seattle High in 1926 where he earned a letter in baseball and joined the Monogram Club 50 years later. Bob graduated from the University of Washington in 1931 with a Business degree in foreign trade. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. At the UW, he was coached by Tubby Graves as a pitcher on the baseball team. After graduation Bob had aspirations to become a pro baseball player on the Pacific Coast League, but before he could be hired by the Sacramento Solons, the league folded. He then joined a baseball team in Redmond which won the state championship. Bob worked at his dad?s Cow Path Creamery in the Pike Place Market during the depression. In 1935 Bob married Marie Kirkwood of Toppenish, Washington, whom he had met at the UW. The same year he joined Northern Products Corporation, one of the pioneer firms in the distribution of Pacific mild-cured salmon from Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon and California with markets to the East Coast and Europe. In the 1950?s the company became involved in the southeastern Alaska troll salmon business which continues today. Fifty-five great years were spent in the fish business, which he owned until his retirement at the age of 88. Bob developed many wonderful friendships and was looked upon by his peers with great admiration. During those years he was president of Northwest Fisheries Association and the Fish Divoteers. A member of Inglewood Golf & Country Club for 50 years, his golf accomplishments included three hole in one?s and shooting his age of 87 in 1994. Besides baseball and golf, he was an avid Husky football fan and a life member of the Washington Athletic Club. He enjoyed being a member of University Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, in 1992. He is survived by his daughters, Corinne Hill and husband David L., and Roberta Hulit and husband Jack L; and his son, William A. Dignon and wife Elizabeth. His beloved grandchildren are: Matthew Hill, Melissa Hill, Jaclyn Hulit, Shannon Dignon and Andrea Dignon Waterstone. He is also survived by his sister, Blythe Bloom and husband Tom, as well as a sister-in-law, Beverly Martini and husband Bob. He was first and foremost a family man, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial service celebrating his passing into eternal life will be held on Monday, May 5 at 2:00 pm at University Presbyterian Church, 4540 15th NE, Seattle. Contributions may be made to: University Presbyterian Church, the Hearthstone Care Center, or the UW Baseball Team.