Robert Hawley Sokol

Lt Col Robert “Bob” Hawley Sokol (November 22, 1936 – June 25, 2026) was born in Sibley, Iowa, to Howard and Ruth Sokol and grew up alongside his two sisters. Throughout his life, Bob said that his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Edel Sokol; six children; nine grandchildren; and two great‑grandchildren.

Bob graduated from Sibley High School in 1954 and the University of Iowa in 1958. He entered the United States Air Force, becoming a navigation instructor. His exceptional performance at Air University Squadron Officer School led to his selection for the faculty where he was admired by his students. Graduating classes presented him with their own, often lighthearted, awards in appreciation.

During his Vietnam tour with the Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Bob earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal for "frequent and hazardous aerial flight." Upon returning to the United States, he served as a C‑141 Starlifter navigator in the Air Force’s Military Airlift Command flying global airlift missions. While serving in the Air Force, Bob earned a Master of Science in Business Administration degree at George Washington University in 1970.

Among his many military accomplishments, he considered his participation in Operation Homecoming Aeromedical Evacuation, helping return American prisoners of war safely home in 1973, to be the most significant mission of his Air Force service. He later joined the Special Airlift Mission unit at Andrews Air Force Base, flying government VIPs around the world. Notably, he served as the Air Force One navigator who guided President Carter to Panama City for the transfer of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian government. Bob retired in 1978 as a lieutenant colonel master navigator.

In 1986, Bob and Edel moved to Port Townsend, where they opened the Ann Starrett Mansion Bed and Breakfast and operated it for more than 30 years. They became charter members of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild, and Bob served a term as president.

Bob quickly became an active member of the Port Townsend community. He transferred his Rotary membership and later served as club president. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and was elected president in 1990. From 1992 to 1995, he served on the Port Townsend City Council, and in 1996 he was named Port Townsend Citizen of the Year. Bob went on to serve three terms as a commissioner for the Port of Port Townsend, concluding his service in 2007.

During his years in public office, Bob played a key role in shaping Port Townsend’s future. He contributed to the first Growth Management Act comprehensive plan, the construction of the Secondary Treatment Plant, and the preservation of the Thomas Oil property—now home to the Northwest Maritime Center. He championed the Boat Haven Marina heavy haul‑out project, which created well‑paying jobs and an environmentally responsible work yard. His accomplishments also included the full rehabilitation of the Point Hudson Marina, rebuilding the RV park, restoring the hospital building into office space, converting the nurses’ quarters into a restaurant, upgrading the shower building, and improving critical infrastructure such as the breakwater.

Bob supported extensive airport improvements, including additional hangars, the Port Townsend Aero Museum, a fixed‑base operator facility, an environmentally safe fuel system, and GPS approach capability. Remarkably, these significant community projects were completed without raising taxes, all while repaying $500,000 in inherited debt.

Bob’s public leadership was recognized statewide. He was elected to the Washington Public Ports Association board of directors and ultimately served as president. He was later honored with Life Membership for his distinguished public service.

A celebration of life will be held in Port Townsend at a later date. Interment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Port Townsend Aero Museum at the Jefferson County Airport.