Robert Oscar Maier also known as Bob and Bobby was 86 years of age at the time of his passing on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Seattle, Washington where he succumbed to complications following emergency gastrointestinal surgery. His home residence was Freeland, Washington on beautiful South Whidbey Island.

Bob was born to Jacob Maier and Katherine (Reng) Maier in 1924 at 50 N. Grant Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He was one of 5 children including his sister Mary and brothers Joe, Jerry, and Harry.

Bob enlisted in the US army at age 19 and was shipped off to lend his young hand to the World War II effort as a member of the 103d Army Infantry Division. Considered the largest and bloodiest battles for the Americans, Bob fought at the infamous Battle of the Bulge. He received the Bronze Star for heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

When asked what he thought of Europe and the war, Bob's usual answer was, "It was cold." But later in life, he wrote of several of his war experiences, one of which was published in a book of collective WW II remembrances entitled, VOICES: Letters From World War II By Ken Scharnberg, Premium Press America, 1993.

Bob met the love of his life, Lorraine Allison Kay while attending UCLA. Wed on August 28, 1949, they were married for over 60 years. Bob and Lorraine's children include, Michael, Claire, Teresa, James, Phillip, and Mary.

A well-educated man, Bob possessed 3 academic degrees including a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Education. He taught math and statistics for 35 years at El Camino College in Torrance, California, and for one year in 1967, he was Dean of Students at Maui Community College.

Among other things, Bob enjoyed sailing, camping, bowling, and golf. He was a devout animal lover with a special place in his heart for all the pets he has cared for over the years and donated funds often to various charitable organizations geared for helping animals in need.

Bob especially had a strong fondness for the practice of magic and various word and number games. He was often referred to as being a Mathemagician, and is a life member of the Academy of Magical Arts based at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. Bob performed his magic on stage, with wife Lorraine as assistant, for schools and nursing homes. He also enjoyed acting in stage plays with community theater groups.

Robert Maier leaves behind his wife, 6 children, 13 grandchildren, his 4 comedic cats, Flash, Ben, Risky Business, and Cherché, and loyal dog, Danny Boy.

Services with military honors are to be held at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville, Washington on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 3:00 p.m., Rev. Phillip Raether officiating. All Maier family friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Flowers may be sent in care of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., , 746 Northeast Midway Boulevard Oak Harbor, WA 98277-2664. Please feel free, in lieu of flowers, to make a donation in Robert's name to one of his favorite charities: Defenders of Wildlife,1130 – 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036; The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20037; World Wildlife Fund, 500 N. 36th St., Seattle, WA 98103; The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203; The ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10138-6804 and/or The Doris Day Animal League, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20037.


See you later, Robert, Bob, Bobby…Dad. We love you.

P.S. A message from Robert, the Mathemagician: "Pick any number between 1 and 10. Multiply it by 9. Add the 2 digits in your answer. Subtract 5. Your answer is 4."

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