Robert P. Chenault, 84
Robert P. Chenault, 84, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at Bonner General Hospital.
Bob was born Oct. 7, 1924, in Indianapolis, Ind., the son of Hobert and Emeroy Chenault. During his formative years he lived in various locations, moving 18 times by the time of his graduation from high school. He enrolled at the University of Indiana but World War II erupted and he enlisted in the Air Force. During the war, he flew P-38s, and at the time of his discharge had achieved the rank of major.
After the war he moved to Hollywood and began a career in television and film. He started in the studios and worked his way up “through the ranks,” ultimately serving as a producer/director. He won two Emmy awards while at ABC, the first for an after school special entitled, “My Mom's having a Baby,” and the second for the best television series, ABC Weekend Specials. He later worked at Columbia Studios as a producer/director for various mini-series filmed in Europe.
Robert married Cynthia Robichaux Leonetti in Las Vegas, Nev., in 1983. An adventurous couple, they lived for many years on a 65-foot sailboat in San Pedro harbor and enjoyed escaping every weekend to the Channel Islands. They later lived in Palm Desert at the Lakes Country Club where he was club golf champion.
In 1995 they moved to Sandpoint, where Bob designed and built the log home of their dreams, where they have since resided.
Bob was a naturally gifted, smart and ambitious man who led a rich abundant life. At the center of his life was his marriage. He wrote and directed many of his projects with his wife, Cindy. He was a painter, a sculptor, a ham operator, a gifted craftsman of fine furniture, a voracious reader driven to learn everything he could. He was a true Renaissance man.
He always tried to give back to the community wherever he lived. He was concerned with enriching children's lives as demonstrated by some of his television work, supported the efforts of the Community Assistance League of Sandpoint. He spearheaded the STOP Tax Initiative (Sensible Taxation of Property) in Idaho. Bob was a member of the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America and the Producers Guild.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Chenault; a daughter, Collette Holden; stepdaughter, Kimberly Beck Clark; stepson, Jason Clark; and grandchildren, Miles and Dylan Clark of Pacific Palisades, Calif., and granddaughter Maxine Holden; a niece, Crystal Shaw of Phoenix, Ariz.; and a nephew, Ritchie Kremer of Pasadena, Calif. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Private family memorial services will be held at a later time.
Family and friends are invited to sign Robert's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.
Kundalini Farewell Prayer
May the long time sun,
Shine upon you
All love surrounds you
And the pure light
Within you
Guide your way on