Firth, Robert L., Sr. Age 96 of Edina, MN, formerly of Bay Shore, NY. Bob passed away peacefully on December 27, surrounded by his family and close friends. Bob was an adoring husband and devoted family man. He was an avid outdoor sportsman and golfer. He also loved his rose gardens, nature and animals. Bob was known for his unique sense of humor, and for the twinkle in his eyes. Bob was a Hydraulic Engineer and inventor, with hundreds of patents to his name. During WWII he worked for Republic Aviation, testing mechanical equipment and hydraulic components used to build and control Republic Aviation's P43 and P47 Thunderbolt (fighter bombers). After the war he worked at New York Airbrake designing hydraulic pumps and braking systems. In 1956 Bob became Vice President at Electrol, providing products to Dr. Wernher Von Braun for the military and IBMA. Bob moved to Minnesota in 1959 to work for the Char-Lynn Company, after which he started the Fluid Power Products Division for the Donaldson Company. Bob was a past president of the International Fluid Power Association, and a charter member of the National Fluid Power Association. Bob was preceded in death by Alva, his beautiful wife of 70 years, his brother Stanley Firth, and his sisters Kathryn Hoffman and Margaret Bonner. He is survived by his brother Henry Firth, his children Diane Meier (Tom), Laraine Swanson (Bill), Barbara Firth-Arnold (Daryl Arnold), Bob Firth, Jr. (Nancy) and Nancy Zaenger (Paul), 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and by his devoted caregiver and friend, Dawn Cole, and his loyal feline, Buggs. This extraordinary man, whose wonderful good nature and loving spirit touched the lives of so many, will be missed by all. Memorials to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Visitation at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel on Friday, January 2, 4pm to 7pm. Funeral service Saturday, January 3, the Chapel at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis at 12:00 noon, visitation one-half hour prior to service. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100