Robert Burns Giffin Jr.

Robert B. Giffin, Jr., a long-time resident of WA State, passed away at the age of 90 on January 6, 2015 in Lacey, WA. He was born July 31, 1924, the only child of Robert and Laurel Giffin in L.A., CA and was raised in AZ.

Bob attended USC and completed his internship at LA County hospital where he met Freda Katherine Storgard, a young nurse who would soon be his wife. He graduated with his M.D. in 1949 and joined the Army. Bob and Freda were married in Slocan, B.C. and reported to his first military assignment in Soul, S. Korea on 25 May 1950. At the start of the Korean conflict, he was the only American Military Doctor assigned to the troops in the country. Following his tour in Korea, Bob completed his residency in Pediatrics and surgery in 1956 at Letterman Army Medical Center. His military career spanned 31 years of dedicated service. During his last assignment he served as Commander, Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, WA. Bob retired as a Colonel to Olympia WA in 1974. Following his military career, he worked for DSHS and among other things, he started the WIC program in the State. He fully retired in 1981.

Passionate about medicine, he was also an avid Amateur Radio Operator and established M.A.R.S. centers at overseas bases for the servicemen to radio families back home. In WA State, he was an active participant in Olympia Amateur Radio Service supporting numerous road rallies and also assisted in the radio communications for the Olympic marathon trails. Bob was also enthusiastic about reading, journalism and electronics.

A faithful servant of our Lord, devoted and loving husband and father, he is survived by his wife Freda of 65 years, and daughter and son-in law, Ann Marie and David Frank Pinc. We grieve because we have lost a dear husband, father and friend. We rejoice because we know he is in heaven with Jesus and we see him again.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to First United Methodist Church of Olympia. 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia WA 98501