Daily Sitka Sentinel

Robert Allen Sheesley

Robert Allen Sheesley

Sitka High graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Robert Allen Sheesley has died in Washington state at the age of 41.

He was born in Sitka June 23, 1975, the son of Brian and Diane Sheesley.

He attended Baranof Elementary, Blatchley Middle School and Sitka High School, graduating in 1994 – he often spoke fondly and admiringly of his teachers.

 After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with honor and pride. He served five tours overseas in the East and the Middle East, earning many honors and awards before retiring in 2012 with the rank of staff sergeant.

Afterward he took up residency in Washington state where he passed away peacefully.

He is survived by his mother and father, Diane P Sheesley and Brian J Sheesley, of Tacoma, Wash.; his brother Brian P Sheesley and wife Diane Sheesley; his favorite nieces Kylie and Madalyn; his grandmother Jane Hammock of Sitka; and grandmother Judith Muzio of Seminole. Fla.

Along with his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces and, of course, the love of his life, his dog Halo, he also is survived by his many, many friends, whom he considered his extended family.

Robert loved his fishing, hunting, sports and just any time he could spend with family and friends. He always considered Sitka his home.

“To our loving and greatly admired son, we miss you with our very being, but you will live on in the hearts and souls of everyone you touched throughout your life and we thank you for that and may the angels above who blessed us with your being, guide you safely to your eternal destiny,” his parents said. “Semper Fi soldier and son of Sitka.”

Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. June 23, at Sitka National Cemetery, with full military honors.

A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome, his family said. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to ASPCA, a charity he was most passionate about and was very active in; or to your local animal shelter.