Robert Medford Simmons, 77, of Wasilla, died Jan. 4 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center from complications of pneumonia. He was born April 13, 1931 in Portland, Ore.

Mr. Simmons, upon graduation from high school, entered the Navy and served honorably. He then went on and obtained a degree in Optometry. In 1969 Robert moved his family to Alaska and they settled in the Anchorage area where he remained until 1980 when he moved to Wasilla. While in Anchorage, he owned the Hideaway Club for a few years then becoming a Realtor. He owned Gold Key Realty with his wife Carol before joining ReMax. He finally retired in 2002. Over the years Robert was involved with the NRA, a member of Easter Seals since 2004, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce and the Elks.

Robert enjoyed woodworking, fly tying, hunting and was an avid fisherman. He was passionate about vegetable gardening. He could be found out in his greenhouse tending his plants. Robert love the holidays, specially Easter. He had a great sense of humor that which lasted right up to the very end. He could make the family camping trips a fun adventure. Playing games was an important part of the family life. Robert got great pleasure from playing Risk, Monopoly and poker.

Robert Medford Simmons is survived by his son, Stanley Simmons (Sallie), Spokane, Wash., daughter, Mary Lister (Tom), Portland, Ore., son, Rick Simmons (Dixie), Durango, Colo., daughter, Alona Milton and husband Gary, of Palmer, daughter, Bobby Oliverson, Flagstaff, Ariz.,, daughter, Tina Watkins (Chuck), Wasilla; grandchildren, Lisa, Otter, Scott, Brenda, Carrie, Katrina, Amy, Heidi, Gary, Eric, Melinda, Alissa, Deon and Isaac; brothers Gary Simmons (Colleen), Yuma, Ariz., Lester Cummings (Judy), Woodburn, Wash and Delbert Cummings, Colo. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and stepfather Orville, wife Carol, brother, Richard and grandchild, Shawna.

Memorials may be made in Robert’s name to Easter Seals 126 W. 15th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501 or the Mat-Su Humane Society. Valley Memorial Park in Palmer will be where Robert will be placed in the spring. Memorials may be made in Robert’s name to Easter Seals 126 W. 15th Ave., Anchorage, AK   99501 or the Mat-Su Humane Society. A memorial service will be held, Saturday at 1 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home — Wasilla.

Arrangements are being handled by Valley Funeral Home - Wasilla.