Richard Gruber

Richard A. Gruber, 84, of Belfair, Washington passed away November 3, 2007, at Belmont Terrace in Bremerton, Washington. A memorial service will be held at the North Mason Eagles in Belfair at 12:00 pm Sunday, November 11. Richard was born in Liberty Center, Ohio on December 5, 1922, son of Clifford Thornton and Mary (Klaar) Gruber. He graduated in 1941 and joined the U.S. Naval Service as an Aviation Machinist during WWII. He and his family moved to Washington State in 1946, where he was employed with the South Kitsap School District as a mechanic and bus driver. He owned and operated a gas station and later a used car garage, both in Port Orchard, Washington, and also raced stock cars for Red's Texaco. Richard retired from the Dept of Natural Resources as a Maintenance Mechanic for Mission Creek Youth Camp. He was a founding member of the North Mason Eagles Aerie #4226 in Belfair where he served as Past Worthy President. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters, all from Ohio. Surviving are his companion of 18 years, Vera Rawlings, Belfair; son, Larry Gruber, Port Orchard; daughters, Louise Anderson, Fort Fraser, BC and Joan Sauer, Port Orchard; also 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children.