Robert Elliot Fitch

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by John W. Croan on April 14, 2002:

I renewed my friendship with Robert (Bob) and Madeline (Mad) Fitch when they built their dream home, to Mad's design, at Gold Beach on Vashon/Maury Island in Pubet Sound. I live in the Gold Beach Community some one half mile away from Bob and Mad. Bob and I worked together on a Veterans of Foreign Wars Project and we visited each other over a period of several years. Bob was always willing to help fellow veterans. Bob motivated each of us to do our best. Bob and Mad were gracious hosts and the view of Puget Sound from their home is spectacular. Bob's recollection of the four years at West Point and remembrances of who was involved in the various activities was phenomenal. Bob and Mad were not only husband and wife. They were best friends. They shared 25 years of great love, harmony and satisfaction and were terrific parents and grand parents. Bob and Mad were very interested in attending the Class of 51's Fiftieth Reunion at West Point. Cancer struck Bob and he and Mad reluctantly cancelled the trip. Bob ask me to say hello to all the classmates and to tell them how disaplpointed he and Mad were that they could not make the trip. By the time that I returned from an extended trip to West Point and elsewhere, Bob was deeply involved in attempting to whip the cancer. Bob died on February 12, 2002. Bob had expressed his desire to be enterned at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington State. Mad could not find the necessary military records to have Bob enterned there, so she ask for help from the Class of '51. The Class of '51 response was immediate and effective. Mad now has the military records needed to meet Bob's wishes. The best way to show our love and loyalty to a fallen classmate is to support the grieving dependents. Comrades, your support was impressive and graciously received by Mad.

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