Robert Scott Frix

Major General Robert Scott Frix passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at his home in Sequim, Washington. He was 72. He is survived by his loving wife, Maureen; his sister, Joanna; his brother-in-law Andrew; his son, Alexander; his daughter-in-law Kathryn; and his daughter, Michele.

The son of a farmer, Bob was born in Harlingen, Texas in 1939 and graduated from Mercedes High School. He graduated in 1961 from The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He received Masters Degrees from Shippensburg State University, the United States Army War College, and the United States Army Command & General Staff College.

Bob served in the United States Army for 34 years as a combat infantryman, Ranger instructor, master parachutist, and master aviator. He served tours in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and was deployed to many other nations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, and Somalia. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medals for valor, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Bob met his wife Maureen (Moe) while stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. Moe at the time was a flight attendant for Continental Airlines based out of Seattle. They married in Sedona, Arizona and celebrated their 34th anniversary this year. They loved travelling together around the country and the world, and took joy in their two children.

Their son Alex was born in 1979 and now serves as a public defender in Olympia, Washington where inspired by his father’s service, he helped found the state’s first Veterans Court. Their daughter Michele was born in 1985 and now works at the non-profit Seattle International Foundation, where she works to alleviate worldwide poverty, carrying on her father’s devotion to public service for others.

Bob was dedicated to several service organizations, including the United Way, the Columbia Basin College Foundation, and especially the Boy Scouts. Bob became an Eagle Scout when he was 17 and volunteered as a Scout Leader for the rest of his life, including as Council President of the Blue Mountain Council in southeastern Washington. While he was working at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Richland, WA, the Boy Scouts awarded Bob the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

An avid outdoorsman and mountaineer, Bob loved the Pacific Northwest. Six years ago while living in Richland, Bob suffered a fall and later a stroke. He continued to laugh and share his love from his wheelchair. He and Moe moved to Sequim in February of 2011, where from his house he admired the mountains he once climbed. He will forever be remembered for his love, valor, and his devotion to serving his country, his community, and those he loved. He took great pride in the success of his family and the achievements of the soldiers he mentored. His ready smile and sense of humor will be missed.

Memorials can be sent in Bob’s honor to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 9, P.O. Box 971, Port Angeles, WA 98362, (360) 417-9444.

Inurnment will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel, Sequim, WA.