Robert Strange

Obituary of Robert StrangeRobert Cooper Strange, 78, a retired United States Navy Captain, passed away on July 20, 2007 at the Superior Residences at Cala Hills in Ocala, Florida. The son of Doctor Russell and Mary Strange, Captain Strange grew up in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and Michigan State University before being accepted to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland where he graduated in 1955. Captain Strange had a distinguished career in the Navy. After graduating from the Naval Academy, he trained as a pilot and flew patrol planes on missions over Greenland, and later, Argentina and the The Azores. His next duty station was with the Airborne Command Post at RAF Mildenhall in England where he spent three years. Captain Strange then spent two years in Vietnam, where he commanded a detachment of the HAL-3 Seawolves Squadron flying UH1 helicopter gunships supporting operations along the waterways from Chau Doc to outposts along the Cambodian border. After being stationed as Executive Officer of the NROTC program at the University of Wisconsin, his next assignment, one of his favorites, was as Naval Attach to Manila, The Philippines for four years where he found the embassy life both interesting and rewarding. His last duty station was Izmir, Turkey where he spent almost two years before returning to Washington, D.C. and retiring July 1, 1985. Captain Strange earned numerous medals and citations throughout his illustrious naval career including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and the Defense Meritorious Service Star. After retiring from the navy, he eventually moved to Florida where he purchased homes on the water, first in Port Charlotte and then Leesburg. He enjoyed boating and visiting with his extended family and many friends. He is survived by his wife Carin (nee Arngrip) and two sons Michael and Andrew from his first marriage to Ann Bassett, as well as his three grandchildren Stuart, Alexander and Louisa. A memorial service and burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in September. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory to a favorite charity would be preferred.

Robert Strange

December 31, 1969 - July 20, 2007