Robert V. Galbraith, of Bainbridge Island died on April 13 after a brief and courageous battle with lymphoma.

He was born Oct. 9, 1938 in Everett to Leslie and Althea Galbraith. He graduated from high school in Bremerton in 1956 and attended Washington State University. After beginning work at Pacific Northwest Bell, he was drafted into the Army in 1961 at the time the Berlin Wall was erected, serving at Dugway Proving Ground as a sergeant specializing in testing and maintaining chemical and biological defense systems.

After the army, Bob returned to Pacific Northwest Bell in Seattle as a systems analyst. He married Diane Fries, in December 1969; they moved to New Jersey, where Bob worked at Bell Labs.

In 1982 he graduated with honors from City University. Through his career, the couple moved from the West Coast to the East Coast and back twice, first working for Bell Labs and later AT&T. In 1994 they moved back to the Pacific Northwest, where he worked in sales for Bay Street Yachts to fulfill his passion for sailing. He then returned to work as a systems analyst, first for EDS in Poulsbo and then at Washington Mutual in Seattle, where he retired in April 2004.

Galbraith was an avid reader who collected books and appreciated art. He also was a season ticket holder to the Seattle Opera and enjoyed classical music and jazz. He loved sailing, wooden boats, painting, traveling, baseball, fishing, woodworking and Grand Prix racing.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Diane Galbraith of Bainbridge Island; brothers William (Jean) Galbraith of Yakima and Jack Galbraith of LaConner; uncle Allan (Betty) Galbraith of Seattle; sister-in-law Jeannie Powers of Manchester, Wash., and Lei Launi Johnson of Anaheim, Calif.; many nieces and nephews; wonderful lifelong friends; and close family friend Elaine Brogdon.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Bob’s honor can be made to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial, Bloedel Reserve, PAWS of Bainbridge Island or the Seattle Opera.

An online memorial is at www.rill.com.