Robert Wayne Ditzler, age 86, died quietly on June 29, 2017, in Seattle, Washington, of a stroke surrounded by his wife and many of his family.
Bob was born March 9, 1931, in Grinnell, Iowa, and was a 60 year resident of Washington state. Since 1987, Bob resided in Sharingwood, a co-housing community in Snohomish County he helped found. He built many of the houses in the community and also designed and drew the plans for the community’s beautiful common house.
Bob went into the Navy immediately after graduating from high school. He was an electronics technician/radar operator. Upon his discharge, Bob went to work at Boeing, but he soon found himself bored. When he went for career counseling, George Mantor, who became a life-long friend, told him he had the best job available. Then, George suggested if Bob wanted something new, he should try going to college – a first for his family. This led him to Reed College in Oregon, UC Berkeley in California, Edinburgh, Scotland, and finally, to a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Washington. During his time at the UW he was invited to go to Alaska with scientists doing research at a station on the floating ice. His electronic skills were needed. This stint was the source of many of his best tales.
While going to the UW, Bob supported himself doing remodeling jobs. He found he loved this work and after graduation Bob began a 50+-year career as a self-employed designer/builder. His skill in designing beautiful, useful spaces for his clients was much in demand. Bob was always thankful he had found a career he really loved.
Around 1984, the Guatemalan family in Sanctuary at East Share Unitarian church thanked Bob for what the church was doing for them. Then, they said what they were really worried about was the rest of their family that had fled to Nicaragua and were living in a shack there. With donations from people at East Shore, Bob went to Nicaragua, found the family and built them a two bedroom house on property they had been given by the Ortega government. This endeavor resulted in a strong relationship that has endured to this day.
Bob married Stephana Ames in 1988. Life together was rich, as they shared interests, families and friends. They attended Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church where Bob was one of the founding members. In 2001 he dedicated two years of his life to the construction of the congregation’s new church on Woodinville Duvall Road.
Among Bob’s many interests were reading, gardening, sailing, backpacking, traveling, baroque music and the construction and flying of model hot air balloons. Bob was well-known for his legendary spit-roasted lamb, as well as being chief cook for large friend and family gatherings. Whatever he did it was with such a zest for life that all activities he was involved in were made more fun!
Bob is survived by his present wife of almost 30 years, Stephana Ditzler, step-children Karen LeCompte (husband Tom) and David Ames, as well as previous wife Jane Ditzler, mother of his three adopted children; Peach Jack (husband Dave), Mark Ditzler (wife Sally), and J.C. Ditzler (wife Crista). Bob and Stephana have 13 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Bob is also survived by sisters Mary Duryee, Marjorie Hillmann and Charlotte Smith (husband Smitty).
A Celebration of Bob’s life followed by a potluck finger-food reception will be held September 2, 2017, 2:00 p.m., at Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church, 19020 N.E. Woodinville Duvall Road, Woodinville, WA.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee or Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church.