Robert Benjamin Bridgman

Robert Benjamin “Bob” Bridgman, age 84.97, was born November 15, 1941 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He passed away on November 5, 2026, in Derby, Kansas.

Bob was a long-time member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Derby, Kansas.

An engineer by education and profession, Bob graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering. He went on to earn his Professional Engineer (PE) license and enjoyed a 40-year career working for Underwriters Laboratories and Boeing. He retired from Boeing in 2004.

Growing up on the East Coast, Bob developed a lifelong love of sailing and boating. Over the years, he owned multiple boats and successfully competed in numerous sailing competitions. His passion for boating extended well beyond recreation. He proudly served as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 39 years, holding several leadership positions, including Flotilla Commander. Throughout his years of service, he received numerous honors and awards, including the “Ship's Bell Award” and “Auxiliarist of the Year.”

Bob also had an avocation for the financial world and investing. He enjoyed following the markets and dabbled in stock trading for much of his life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Linda (née Buckart), with whom he shared 24 years of marriage and 54 years together; his sister, Mary Williams of Vermont; his daughter, Leanora (Joe) Baker of North Austin, Texas; grandson Andrew Baker of Baltimore, Maryland; granddaughter Brittney (David) Fryer of Dallas, Texas; nephews Evan (Grace) Williams of Vermont and Ben (Marina) Williams of Virginia; and one great-nephew.

Memorial contributions may be made to Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Derby, Kansas, or to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, in Bob's memory.