John L. Fitch, 85, husband of M. Saradel (Urch) Fitch, to whom he was married for nearly 59 years, passed away on June 8, 2009 at Sunrise Senior Living in Edmonds, WA. Born in Farnam, Nebraska, he was the son of the late Loren and Helen Fitch. He moved with his family to Seattle in 1939.

Surviving with his wife are their daughters Claudia Fitch and Susan Fitch of Seattle, son Robert Fitch of Portland and stepson Eric Loken of Spring City, PA. Along with his children, he is survived by his sisters Margaret Hogness and Mary Stevenson.

John was a graduate of the University of Washington and received a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. He served as Ensign in the US Navy during WWII. After receiving his doctorate in 1958, he joined Boeing in Seattle where he worked as a radar specialist until he retired in 1985. He was a principal radar specialist and troubleshooter on the AWACS program.

John had many talents and interests. He was a member of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society and an avid reader of scientific journals. He loved music - both classical and jazz - playing saxophone, clarinet, vibraphone and piano. He performed with many local groups and was a regular with the North Seattle Community College jazz bands for many years. He collected and restored antique clocks, watches, musical instruments and model trains. He was an avid camper, fisherman and boater.

John was a devoted husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. No visitation. Private family cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to The Alzheimer's Association - Western & Central Washington State, 12721 30th Ave NE, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98125 or the Hospice Fund, Group Health Community Foundation, Dept 4194, PO Box 34936, Seattle, WA 98124.

The Seattle Times

Researher's Note: He was also a cousin to the late Doris Fitch Smith, mother of Ardyce Smith Bick of Moorefield, NE.