Robert N. Broughton

Robert N. Broughton of Carlsbad, CA, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2023, in Encinitas at the age of ninety-three.

Bob was born in 1929 in Rochester, NY to parents Jacksel and Elizabeth Broughton. Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon, to whom he was married for 30 years, their adult children/grandchildren and his beloved Havanese puppy dogs, Tilly, and Phineas. He was also “Uncle Bob” to his Brother Jack’s family, whom he loved dearly.

Bob graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a degree in Architecture in 1953 and earned his Wings and Commission as a 1st LT in the USAF the following year. During his 25-year career he was a jet pilot, Aircraft Commander, attended USAF Test Pilot School, assigned to the Caribbean Air Command, and flew combat missions in Viet Nam. Bob has flown over 8,700 hours in planes including the C-54 (DC-4), PT-17 Super Cub, T-6, T-28, T-33, T-38 Talon, and B-57.

Bob Retired as a Colonel in 1976. Then joined Rockwell International continuing the B-1 project with the test team as a Flight Test Engineer Manager totaling 17 years with the B-1 Lancer program. During his career, Bob was awarded medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 19 Oak Leaf Clusters and The Legion of Merit.

Bob started building model airplanes when he was 9 years old. His goal was to build every model he has flown and every model he wanted to fly. He built many. His list was long!

Bob retired to Carlsbad in the mid-1980s. He owned and operated a custom picture framing shop in the Village of Carlsbad for over 20 years. He and his wife enjoyed going on cruises, scuba diving, and underwater photography. He loved flying with his friends, telling tall tales with fellow pilots and having coffee with the kind people in his life.

Bob will be missed greatly and remembered fondly by all who had the opportunity to know him. Our humble Old Bold Pilot and proud member of the Quite Birdmen is watching over all of us until we are reunited.

Please share your fun stories and fond memories of Bob on the tribute wall. And cheers to RNB the next time you enjoy a bit of single malt scotch.

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