Robert E. 'Bob' Wood, 89
Robert E. “Bob” Wood, 89, passed away in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010.
Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Saturday, Dec. 18, in the Sandpoint First Christian Church. Pastor Tony Nelson, First Christian Church, will officiate and burial will be in the Pack River Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, Dec. 17, from noon until 6 p.m. at Coffelt Funeral Service.
Bob was born in Topeka, Kan., on Aug. 28, 1921, the son of Riley and Gladys Wood. The family moved to the Gold Creek area north of Sandpoint in 1940 and Bob graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1941.
He worked on the family ranch and on logging jobs, marrying Bernice Spahr on Dec. 27, 1944 in Coeur d’Alene.
In February 1945, he joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II.
In 1947, Bob and Bernice purchased their first ranch on Gold Creek and began their cattle and hay ranch. The ranch would later expand and include timber operations. The ranch was sold in 1972 and the family farm was moved to the Oden area, modernized, and continues raising hay and cattle.
Today, the family continues farming in both Naples, Idaho, and Oden.
Bob was active in the Bonner County Cattleman’s Association, the Horseman’s Association, and was associated with the Bonner County Fair Livestock Auction for more than 20 years. Bob and Bernice were named Bonner County Grass-man of the Year in 1967 and the Bonner County Beef Family in 1983. Bob was a member of the Fair Board since 1965, serving as chairman for more than 18 years, and was an active 4-H leader for many years. Bob and Bernice also drove a four-wheel drive school bus from Gold Creek to Northside School for 15 years.
In his retirement, Bob continued to help out on the family farm in Naples, enjoying the farm and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his son, Bert (and Liz) Wood of Naples; five granddaughters, Leslie (and Harvey) Lippert of Sandpoint, Idaho, Brenda (and Carl) Kerttu of Naples, Amy (and Ben) Robertson of Bonners Ferry, and Kate and Erica Wood, still at the family home in Naples; two great-grandchildren, Larissa Lippert and Cameron Kerttu; siblings, Jim (and Virginia) Wood, Doug (and Ruth Ann) Wood, Anita Johnson, and Virginia (Al) Franzen; sister-in-law, Daun Troncin; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Delbert in 1977; his brother, Davi; and his wife, Bernice, in 2002.
Family and friends are invited to sign Bob’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.