Robert Aldean Lindback
June 2, 1938 - August 27, 2017
Obituary
Robert A. Lindback of SeaTac, WA, as he would say, left for a new life, on Sunday August 27, 2017. Robert was a beloved son, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.
Robert was born to Alfred and Pearl Lindback of Norwegian Heritage, in Tolna, North Dakota on Thursday June 2nd, 1938. Alfred moved the whole family including grandmother’s mother to Western Washington in South King County soon after the youngest was born.
Alfred later built the family a new home high atop South Center Hill in the late 1950’s. The home faced eastward and had a 180 degree panoramic view of Mount Rainier. The home Alfred built overlooked a valley filled with luscious farmland and the most beautiful sunsets in the world
Robert loved steelhead fishing and working on his beautiful Classic cars and trucks. He was also an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Seahawks, and an occasional game of cribbage. Robert was proud lifelong member of The International Brotherhood Of Teamsters. Robert held himself and his Union brothers and sisters to the highest level of integrity long after he retired.
Robert loved the old cowboy western movies and TV shows. To us kids, he was and will forever be the real life Marshal Matt Dillon. (Played by actor James Arness in the TV Series Gunsmoke.)
Robert enlisted in the Navy in October 1956. He served four years as an Aviation Machinists, ADR2, where his expertise was working primarily on Aircraft Engines and Propellers. Afterward, he served two years in the Navy Reserves.
Robert was stationed out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island most of his career. During his nine months stationed in Iwakuni and Misawa, Japan, he respectfully fell in love with the people and its culture for his entire life. He was honorably discharged on the 3rd day of August 1962.
When both parents and his wife Joanne died by 1990, Dad decided to live out the rest of his life until his last Sunset.
Robert was one of four brothers and one sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Pearl, his beloved wife, Joanne, of nearly thirty years and brothers Alan Lindback, Morris Lindback, Lyle Lindback.
Robert is survived by his three loving children, Son, Robert Simms of Kent, Daughter, Colleen James of Issaquah, Son, Rick Simms (wife Missy), of Federal Way. Brother, Ted Lindback of Colorado, Sister, Alice Hughes of Kent. Grandson, Douglas McLean (wife Masa) of Seattle, Granddaughter, Crystal Sweet (husband Mario) of Auburn, Granddaughter, Catherine McLean of Kirkland, Grandson, Brandon Simms. Great Grandchildren, Daisy, Kenneth, Xavier, Scotland, Anthony. Sister In Law, Leslie Lindback of SeaTac, Nephew, Chris Lindback (wife Kim) of SeaTac, Niece, LeAnn Garrett, Nephew, Justin Capri.
Thanks to his dearest friends at his favorite “diner”, you meant so much to Dad over the years and to his many lifelong friends.
Robert, you’ll be remembered as first class, a big tipper, a true gentleman and for being fiercely loyal to family. Robert defined the true meaning of being a “real” Dad by always steering a steady ship. So until we meet again, remember we love you. Just maybe you are with Mom by a sparkling river, having a picnic, and fishing just like you use to do. And you are enjoying the day and waiting for all of us to join you in celebration someday
Robert, Colleen and Richard
September 20th, 2017
We loved Bob and will miss him very much.
Missing you so much already Dad. Thanks for literally keeping the wheels from falling off even when others weren’t looking. You were the best co-pilot in life especially when helping me raise the Grandchildren and long after we lost Mom. You’ll be a hero and legend for generations to come, hands down.
To me, always the Sheriff.
Love your Daughter, Sissy
Dear Grandpa-
I will miss your gentle kindness. Thank you for your support and for always ensuring we had a safe car when we were young. I will miss seeing you tinkering on cars in your garage. I’m happy you are back with Grammy. Love you.
I will miss you gentle presence and always making our Holidays filled with love. I feel loved knowing you and Grammy are watching over me and our family. Love you, Grandpa!
Well Uncle Bob you can go fishing any time you want to now. And above all else you can get your car into the 10’s. Hopefully God’s race track runs smoother than Pacific raceway. Above all else I will miss looking up from my front door before I go down to bed and seeing your light on up in the Lindback house and knowing you were up there watching TV. And I catch myself still doing that today but the light isn’t on anymore.
Love you
Chris and Kim.