Robert James Bob Gregory of Kennewick, longtime Tri-Cities resident, passed away September 10th, 2006, surrounded by his family. Bob, the only son of Ancil and Lillian Gregory, was born in Bridgeport, Nebraska on Feb. 4, 1921. Bob lived and attended school in Bridgeport. He served as the high school student body president and was active in football and track. He attended community college after high school graduation with the dream of becoming a veterinarian. On January 6, 1942, he married Mary Fern Thornton of Bridgeport, Nebraska. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska and Texas. After his military discharge in 1946, he and Fern moved to the Tri-Cities, which became his beloved home for the next 60 years. Bob worked for the postal service in both Kennewick and Pasco. He started as a mail carrier and postal clerk. After 32 years of service he retired as the supervisor of the Tri-City Mail Center of Pasco. He began his second career selling real estate and became an associate broker with Century 21 in Kennewick. He fully retired in 2003. Bob's wife Fern died in 1998. Bob married Freda Stromstad on Valentine's Day 2000 in Hawaii. During his life, Bob was active with 4-H, V.F.W., Elks, the Shriners, the American Cancer Society, postal supervisor's organization and local sports. He was a passionate sports fan. An avid card player, he played on a regular basis with friends as well as relatives. Bob also enjoyed traveling, vegetable gardening, trout fishing, pheasant and turkey hunting and his lakeside cabin in Williams Lake. He and Freda loved dancing, senior citizen activities, bicycling, and cards. One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob is survived by his wife, Freda of Kennewick, son Larry Gregory of Kennewick, and daughter-in-law Peggy Gregory, daughter Karen Keatts of Kennewick and son-in-law Dr. Bill Keatts; seven grandchildren: Robbi Birdsell of Kelso, Washington and husband Rob; Carolyn Richards of Corvallis, Oregon; Carrie Smith of Newport, Rhode Island and husband Lt. Commander Russ Smith; Nathan Gregory of West Richland, Washington and wife Samantha; Alyssa St. Hilaire of Kennewick and husband Jim; Erika Keatts of San Angelo, Texas; Jamie Keatts of Saratoga, California; and three great-grandchildren: Casey and Kyle Birdsell and Anna St. Hilaire. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dana Ayres and his wife of 56 years, Fern. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 15th at Mueller's, 1401 S. Union, Kennewick. Viewing will be held on September 14th from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Mueller's, 1401 S. Union, Kennewick. In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 911 W. 5th Ave Spokane, WA 99204. We love you and will miss you, Poppa!