Robert W. Niles, 93

Robert W. Niles, 93, passed on to be with the Lord Jesus on Oct. 7, 2015. He was born on June 19, 1922, in Spokane, Wash., to Lee, a storekeeper and Ethel, a horsebreeder and trainer. He was the oldest child with one brother “Bud” and sister Jean. Two step brothers, Allen and Ken were later an important part of Bob’s life.

He grew up in Livingston, Mont., and especially enjoyed baseball, also playing football, basketball and track. Weekends and summers on a family ranch gave him a love of horses and camping with his cousins. He was a member of the Livingston 1st Baptist Church, active in the choir and also a Boy Scout Leader.

Bob married Betty Haymond in 1945. They moved to Forest Grove, Ore., where he attended and graduated from Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science. Daughter, Peggy was born there. He went on to graduate from Southern Illinois College of Optometry.

He later moved to Cadiz, Ky., where he practiced optometry for 44 years. During this time he met and married Marion Cannon in 1959 and was a wonderful father to her daughter, Becky. He was a very active member of the Cadiz Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir for 40 years with his beautiful tenor voice. He was also a member of Lions Club, other civic organizations and supporter of the Gideon Bible Society.

Bob was in World War II in General Patton’s 3rd Army, 9th Infantry and served in Germany. He had a deep love and respect for his country and was proud to serve.

He leaves behind his daughters and their families, Peggy and Ray Smith of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Becky and Roger Cain of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; grandchildren: Penny, Heath, Holly, Tammy and Sherry; also great-grandchildren: Nick, Rachel, Brandon, Graham, Liam and Fenton. Many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends will also miss this dear man, remembering him as a loving, kind, gentleman. He was God’s humble servant and anyone who knew him couldn’t help but be enriched by his sweet, thoughtful spirit. One of his granddaughters said “He is still with us, he has just changed his address and location.”

Bob’s family want to thank the staff and residents of The Garden at Orchard Ridge for their wonderful loving care and friendship, also Hospice of North Idaho for their tender and gentle help to him and his family as he left this world’s cares behind. God Bless you all.

Anyone wishing to give a memorial in Bob’s name could choose the Gideon Bible Society or Hospice of North Idaho.

There will be a celebration of Bob’s “home-going” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, at Pleasant View Church, 19587 W. Riverview Drive, Post Falls, Idaho, followed by a potluck. All are welcome.