Naval Commander Robert Bruce McComb, retired

Posted

January 2, 1930 - September 12, 2018

Robert Bruce McComb (known as Scotty to everyone) passed away peacefully September 12, 2018, after nearly nine decades of happy life among ships, submarines, sail boats, cruise vessels, airplanes, family and friends.

Born on January 2, 1930 to Cedric and Florence McComb, Scotty grew up in Portland, Oregon. While a teenager he joined the Sea Scouts and learned to sail on the Columbia River.

At age 19, Scotty received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Between classes in the four-year program, he sailed ocean racers on Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic, and during semester breaks drove a 1932 Model B Ford from Annapolis to Portland and back. Graduating with the Class of 1953, the Navy sent Scotty to Florida, California, Hawaii and Hong Kong. He attended submarine school in Newport, RI, eventually skippering the submarine, USS Archerfish 311, for two years in the late 1960s. Repurposed as a “Sea Scan” research vessel in the Pacific, the boat spent many months at a time at sea. Consequently, Archerfish was the only sub in the U.S. service in which all members of the crew were bachelor volunteers. In 1968 Scotty retired from the Navy as a commander.

After retirement, Scotty’s oceanographic experience also qualified him to serve as master on the USS Vema, Columbia University’s research vessel working in the Pacific.

In 1967 while in Hawaii, a Navy roommate introduced Scotty to a lovely young woman, Carol Anne Weingarten, whom he married the following year. Carol and he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year by cruising the Adriatic, the last of the seven seas on Scotty’s bucket list.

In the late 1960s Scotty and Carol purchased wooded waterfront property a few miles north of Port Ludlow, WA. Commuting from a condo in Poulsbo, together they cleared the land, then designed and built a home that took “forever” according to Carol. In the meantime, Scotty joined Rotary and the Port Ludlow Yacht Club where he served as commodore. He also bought a 30’ sailboat that he loved to race.

In retirement, Scotty and Carol traveled worldwide, enjoying many flights and cruises to many countries. In recent years they have entertained numerous guests at their home, Scotty happily pouring his favorite “Perfect Manhattan” for everyone. No doubt all his friends will agree that the world is a better place today thanks to Scotty’s infectious smile, witty personality and entertaining stories. He is greatly missed.

Scotty is survived by his wife, Carol, and a nephew and niece. A Navy memorial service is planned for the near future.