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Robert James Austin, 70

| November 8, 2015 8:00 PM

Robert “Bob” James Austin — known to some friends as “Tater” — left us on Nov. 3, 2015, for a better view from Heaven. He was born on July 23, 1945, in Oakland, Calif., to James Austin and Joy (Sayer) Croft.

Raised between the Bay Area and southern Idaho, Bob had country values, a love for the outdoors and a dash of surfer boy rebellion. He met the love of his life, Diane Shrum, while attending Idaho State University in Pocatello. He soon whisked her away to Oakland and Sonoma wine country where he finished his bachelor’s degree in business at San Francisco State University.

With a little one on the way, the couple returned to southern Idaho, where Bob began his 14-year career with Simplot Co. in Burley, managing the construction department and then leading new construction projects throughout the Northwest. While residing in Heyburn, he and Diane had two beautiful daughters, Kelli (Austin) Hawkins and Jaime (Austin) Mason. He was an active member and past president of the Burley Lions Club.

The family then moved to the mountains and lakes of North Idaho, where Bob began a new career as a planner with the Idaho State Department of Transportation. He continued his participation with civic projects, this time with an adventurous group of friends who shared a common favorite beverage, Coeur d’Alene’s Original Bud Bunch. He retired in 2008, to spoil his five grandchildren, cheering them on at basketball games, dance competitions, soccer tournaments and football. He and Diane also traveled throughout the country visiting family and friends in Texas, Hawaii, Alaska, Nevada, Wyoming and the Washington/Oregon coastline. Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed archery competitions, hunting, fishing, a cold beer with good friends, and family camping trips to the coast.

He is survived by his wife; his two daughters; his sons-in-law, David Hawkins and Jerry Mason; his grandchildren, Janika Hawkins, Madison Hawkins, Joshua Mason, Caleb Mason and Brodie Hawkins; his siblings, Joanne (Austin) Judd and Kenneth Austin; his mother-in-law, Katharine (Petersen) Shrum; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law who loved him dearly. His kind eyes, hearty laugh and full smile will be missed, but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835, whose generous care and support provided comfort when Bob and his family needed it most.

Viewing will be held from 5-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, also at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. Please visit Robert’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.