More detail on this person: Robert Jay Tessier
Born May 2, 1938 in Tacoma and left us
unexpectedly on April 8, 2015. Rest in peace "ole
friend".
Bob's flying career began with a "bang". Fort
Wolters, Texas: IP gets out and Bob's cleared for
his first solo flight. Bob brings his TH-55 to a
hover, makes clearing turn and is "cleared for
takeoff". Before Bob can respond, the tail rotor
fails, aircraft spins like a top, hits the ground
and beats itself to death. Bob calmly crawls out
of the wreckage, makes his way to operations
where he is then awarded "half" of a solo wing.
Robert received his commission from the
Washington Military Academy, Army Washington
National Guard, Class 8 in July 1965. Bob entered
active duty as a TC officer and received his
Regular Army Commission shortly thereafter. He
served with the 4/77 ARA, 101st Airborne Division
in Vietnam in
1968-69 as an aircraft maintenance officer. His
awards include the DFC, BS, MSM, and numerous
Air Medals. Bob's second overseas tour was in
Korea where he served as Commanding Officer of a
DS/GS aircraft maintenance company in the 2nd
Inf.Div.
Upon return to the US, he served as Service
Platoon Commander, D Troop, 3/5 Cav Sqnd, 9th
Inf. Div. at Fort Lewis WA and later as the
assistant plans and operations officer, G4, 9th
Inf. Div.
Major Tessier's military career abruptly ended
when he suffered a heart attack and was medically
retired in 1978. Bob loved the military and being
forceably retired was a real "speed bump" in his
life. Turning the page he soon was owner/operator
for his own building supply company which he ran
until he sold it and retired to do what he loved
must: hunting, fishing, crabbing and shrimping.
Bob was a great cook and loved to experiment. His
crab casseroles, seafood chowders and smoked
salmon were the absolute best.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Donna;
daughter, Diahn; son, Ron; grandchildren, Tafton
and Avery; sister Lynn; and close friend of 50+
years, Dan Wall.
Obituary: Robert Jay Tessier Born May 2, 1938 in
Tacoma and left us unexpectedly on April 8, 2015.
Bob grew up in Lakewood, WA, graduating from
Clover Park HS. Bob served in the military as a
Helicopter Pilot while serving in Vietnam. He
loved the Pacific Northwest and had a passion for
the outdoors. He was the happiest on the water be
it on the ocean, the bay or with his friends
trading fishing stories. He will be dearly missed
by his wife, Donna; daughter, Diahn; son, Ron;
grandchildren, Tafton and Avery; and sister Lynn.
There will no service per his request. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to the Bladder
Cancer Advocacy Network or a charity of your
choice .
Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on Apr. 12,
2015
Old Obituary: April 8, 2015. Bob grew up in
Lakewood, WA, graduating from Clover Park HS.
Bob served in the military as a Helicopter Pilot
while serving in Vietnam. He loved the Pacific
Northwest and had a passion for the outdoors. He
was the happiest on the water be it on the ocean,
the bay or with his friends trading fishing
stories. He will be dearly missed by his wife,
Donna; daughter, Diahn; son, Ron; grandchildren,
Tafton and Avery; and sister Lynn. There will no
service per his request. In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to the Bladder Cancer
Advocacy Network or a charity of your choice
This information was last updated 04/08/2013
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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