Robert Dean Leggett of Richland went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 11, 2017 after a brave seven year struggle with cancer. He was 87. Robert passed peacefully in his home of 50 years with loved ones around him. 

Robert was born in Midvale, Ohio on August 2, 1929, one of two children to William and Frances Leggett. He graduated from high school as valedictorian and president of his class. He went on to  graduate from Ohio State University (“Go Bucks!”) earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering in five years.  He was admitted to Tau Beta Pi for being in the top 5% of his class.   He went on to receive a Ph.D. in Metallurgy from Carnegie Institute of Technology.  While at Carnegie Tech., he earned a commendation from Admiral Rickover for his research on corrosion of stainless steels used in navel reactor fuel, and he was honored for working on the Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine. 

He and his family moved to Richland in 1959, where he worked on the FFTF with General Electric, Battelle, and Westinghouse for over 30 years.  Robert was proud to be part of the development nuclear power, and he was elected a Fellow in the American Nuclear Society, serving on many national committees.  He retired in 1989 as a project manager of the LMR program that includethe FMEF as well as the FFTF.

In 1951 Robert married Lillian Simpson, the love of his life. Together they spent many happy years, raising 6 children, camping, hiking, traveling, and enjoying 10 grandchildren.  He coached flag football, built doll houses, and was the number one fan of his children’s activities.  Robert played a mean hand of bridge, but was never so happy as when he was with Lillian camping at “Fir Top” and Mt. Adams.  Robert was very involved at West Side Church as an elder, deacon, and mission committee member.  Along with his wife and friends, he started an ESL program at West Side that has helped countless immigrants and refugees learn English and gain citizenship. He also participated in Meals on Wheels and other charitable activities.

Robert was a caring, gracious man with a flair for fun and twinkle in his eye. He was supportive of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was also courageous and patient in the face of suffering. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Robert is proceeded in death by his parents, brother, Ernest Leggett, and his son, Robert Dean Leggett, Jr.  He is survived by his wife, Lillian, his children Mark Leggett(Nancy), John Leggett (Rose), Beth Bailey (Kevin), Ben Leggett (Kari), and Matt Leggett (Carolyn), and grandchildren, Emily Poyner (Adam), Aaron Leggett, Devin Cook (Steve), Nicole Davis (Joseph), Nathan Bailey (Justine Harlan), Elliot Bailey, Kendra Leggett, Jansen Leggett (Shauna), Andrew Leggett, Isaac Leggett, his great grandchildren, Ezra Cook and Sophia Davis.

Robert was thankful for many caregivers through the years, especially Hirene Pimental, Santos Pimental, Rosalinda Ontiveros and Josie Price whose care for Robert and Lillian was a gift from God.

A Celebration of Life will be held at West Side Church, 615 Wright Ave., Richland on March 25 at 2:00 PM in the North Sanctuary.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in the name of Robert may be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch at calfarley.org.