Bob Kiliz, Spacecraft Configuration Designer, died on April 4, 2013. Born in Montesano, Wash. in 1938, he graduated from Montesano High School in 1957 then moved to Seattle when he was hired by Boeing as a mechanic. He worked for the firm for 37 years, progressing to draftsman then to designer for aerospace projects such as the lunar rover, LEAP satellite, Super Sonic Transport (SST), B1 Bomber, Air Force One, Bomarc missiles and the Space Shuttle until he retired in 1994. He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Washington. Though he did not complete his studies, his innate capabilities resulted in eight personal patents and several contributory patents for Boeing. Over the years he leant his expertise to design and build numerous projects for his own homes and both his children’s homes. A lover of boating, pool, fast cars, poker, bridge, Clive Cussler novels, crossword puzzles and loud music, he was a staunch supporter of the Armed Forces.
Bob “Bad-to-the-Bone” Kiliz was preceded in death by his mother, Rose; father, Louis; brothers, Ken and Richie; as well as his ex-wife, Shirlee; and second wife, Anne. He is survived by his brother, Jim and sisters, Ann and Jeanne; his son, Michael and daughter, Barbara; his grandson, Derek Kiliz and his granddaughters, Marissa Kiliz and Desiree, her husband, Brian and their son, Jace Economides.