ARNOLD, Robert H. (Hap)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, March 26, 2011 Robert H. "Hap" Arnold died Saturday, March 19, 2011. He was born in Chicago, Ill., in 1929. He spent his childhood in Wisconsin and Indiana. After high school, Hap joined the United States Navy, where he began a distinguished career as an avionics technician. After he married his wife, Del, he transferred into the United States Air Force where he continued his specialization in aircraft avionics. He retired from the Air Force in 1968 and worked for Boeing on the first two 747s, which were unveiled at the 1969 Paris Air Show. Later he worked for NASA at Ames Research Center, leading the avionics team on the Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO), a modified C-141, responsible for a series of scientific discoveries, including the presence of rings around the planet Uranus, atmosphere around Pluto and water vapor in the interstellar medium. Hap and Del moved to Arizona in 1992, later settling in Prescott Valley. Throughout his life, Hap enjoyed keeping up with his high school friends in the "Bachelors Club" and the occasional outing as a Kenny Rogers impersonator, including a humorous encounter with Kenny himself. In retirement, he joined the Central Arizona Seniors Association (CASA) and later served nine years as president. He was also very active in the Prescott Valley Early Bird Lions. Under his leadership, along with CASA Executive Director Betty Robinson, CASA was awarded 2007 Non-Profit of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. Hap is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Del; a son and daughter, Hap Gideon Arnold of San Diego, Calif., and Kasey Arnold-Ince of Fairfax, Calif., two grandchildren, Zachary Arnold of Phoenix and Max Ince of San Anselmo, Calif., a brother, Earl Arnold of Texarkana, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. A memorial celebration of Hap's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 1, at the Central Arizona Seniors Association (CASA), 9360 E. Manzanita Circle (off East Spouse Drive) in Prescott Valley. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central Arizona Seniors Association. Information provided by survivors.