Robert Near, 81

Robert Vinal Near ("Bob"), age 81, of Athol, crossed over to be with his Dear Lord on March 11, 2004. He was preceded in death by his sisters Deanie Hulen and Alice Ball, both of San Jose, Calif. Both of his parents of Syracuse, N.Y., have been gone for many years.

Bob grew up and went to school in Syracuse. Over the years he has lived in Syracuse; Florida; San Jose, Calif.; Coeur d'Alene; and currently resided in Athol.

Bob met his wife, Patricia J. Adams, in San Jose in 1984. They have been together ever since that time, and they got married on the beach in Kona, Hawaii on January 1, 2000.

Bob was a proud Marine. "Once a Marine, always a Marine." He served in the Marine Corps from 1950 to 1956. He went overseas and gave faithfully of his service in the Korean War. After the Marine Corps, Bob held down many jobs. At one time he was a fireman in Florida. He was also a great handyman. He became a long haul trucker for many years and really loved being a truck driver. When Bob and his wife Pat moved to Idaho, Bob hauled hot metal for the Kaiser Corporation. He spent his last twelve working years at Silverwood Theme Park. He retired in 2008 and would still be working at Silverwood if his health had not forced him into retirement. Silverwood was his very favorite job.

Bob accomplished many wonderful things in his life. He loved helping his friends and family. His greatest gifts to everyone were his mischievous smile, his infectious laugh, and his wonderful sense of humor. He loved fishing, hunting, traveling, and especially golfing. He belonged to Pappy Boyington Marine Corps League Detachment, and when he wasn't in poor health he loved going to the meetings and volunteering at the truck stops to hand out coffee. He was a life member of the association, and he was a member of the American Legion in Athol. His Church and Church family was Prairie Avenue Christian Center in Hayden.

Bob is survived by his wife Pat of Athol; his son Joe Near and daughter Laura Near, both of California; and his two brothers, Bud Near and Jim Ball, both of California. He is also survived by his loving stepchildren: Bonnie Mayer of Coeur d'Alene, Jim Mayer of Aptos, Calif., Ginger Manley of San Jose, and Nikkie Taormino of San Jose; and eleven grandchildren and two nieces. He will be greatly missed by his family and many loving friends.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Bob's life will be held on Friday, March 21, 2014, at 3 p.m., at Prairie Avenue Christian Center, 3639 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden. A reception will immediately follow at the Church.

Please visit Bob’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.