Robert Curnock, 95

Sept. 14, 1921 — Oct. 24, 2016

Robert Curnock, 95, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, went home to Jesus on Oct. 24, 2016.

Bob was born and raised in Maywood, Ill., where he lived with his mother and grandparents during the Great Depression. After high school he joined the work force. When the U.S. entered World War II, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and served as a flight engineer on PBY Catalinas in Pensacola, Fla. When a commanding officer saw him playing catch with a buddy, Bob was ordered to play shortstop for the U.S. Navy baseball team. He was small but fast, and “the Rabbit” was soon known for his ability to bunt his way to first base.

After the war, returning servicemen were looking for jobs. Fresh out of the Navy, Bob began working at Hines VA Hospital in Hines, Ill. When asked if he was interested in a position in orthotics, he jumped at the chance before even knowing what it was, eventually earning the title of Research Orthotist.

In 1950, Bob married Viola Gromer, and they had three children: Christine (Coeur d’Alene), Bonnie (Rapid City, S.D.) and Robert (Waco, Texas).

Over the next 30 years, Bob discovered that he had a gift for designing one-of-a-kind gadgets to help paraplegics, amputees and blind veterans — in a day when no such things existed. Patients at Hines came to him with personal requests for help: a blind soldier without arms wanted to play the guitar; a veteran who could only move his head wanted to run his own wheelchair down the hallways. Bob used his personal time to help them all. In 1970, the Chicago Hospital Council honored Bob with the Employee of the Year Award.

Outside his job, Bob was involved in clubs and programs for youth, coaching baseball teams and teaching bowling. He had an excellent eye for photography, and when the first personal movie cameras came out, he loved taking family movies of camping trips and church youth outings.

Bob retired from Hines at age 55 and moved to the Ozarks in Berryville, Ark., where he enjoyed competitive bowling, coaching softball and various creative hobbies. He became an active sheriff’s deputy and later worked as the conductor for the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas steam train in Eureka Springs, Ark.

Life threw him a curve when he was divorced in 1981, but in 1990 Bob moved to Coeur d’Alene to live near his daughter, Christine and her family, and he became a major part of their lives. The following year, Bob’s elderly mother moved in with him, and he cared for her until her passing two years later.

During his retirement years in Coeur d’Alene, Bob developed a “route” of sorts, where he became a familiar figure at Baskin Robbins, Safeway Starbucks, Fred Meyer food court and various antique shops. He was friendly with clerks and servers, and always appreciated their special attention and positive interaction.

Bob was very proud of his children; in-law children Clyde Moore and Karen Curnock; grandchildren Jessica and Jediah Litterell, and Jason Moore; and five great-grandchildren, Dejeiel, Kyrek, Tigaan, Siwaya and Brylis Litterell. He faithfully attended any occasion that involved his family’s talents or achievements.

In his early 90s, Bob was diagnosed with cancer. His goal was to reach his 95th birthday, which he celebrated with his family 40 days before he went to his eternal home.

Bob’s earthly remains have been laid to rest in the veterans area of Riverview Cemetery. His family will gather later to honor him in a private U.S. Navy military ceremony.

Please visit Bob’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.