Robert John Tester, 35

Robert John Tester lived life to the fullest. Robust, funny and quick-witted. Also deeply loyal and loving.

He was born on Aug. 29, 1981, in Great Falls, Mont., to Bob and Lois Tester — their beloved son, only child and gift from God.

Family called him Bobby John and were delighted and entertained at his ability to converse in near adult fashion when just a toddler. His huge blue eyes and flashing smile couldn’t help but charm every one he met. He was part of the gifted and talented program in grade school and showed early success in writing with a movie critique that was published in eighth grade. That led to an internship at the Great Falls Tribune then a regularly occurring movie column through high school.

At C.M. Russell High School, Bob was known as “toaster” on the football field. He also wrestled, played basketball and served as the school photographer. He graduated with many friends in the class of 2000. He began college at University of Montana in Missoula, then moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he worked in health care. During this time, he met and married Shawna Syth. He changed vocations with a family in mind, going back to school while working full time to get an electrical apprentice certificate. He then worked at Huntwood in Liberty Lake. The couple had one child together. His hardworking ways and creativity led him to many entrepreneurial pursuits along the way including a clever razor saver invention, Democracy T-shirt company and a medical cannabis operation.

In football it was the Broncos, in baseball he cheered the Yankees and was always a good sport in debating and discussing politics — which he did frequently with his grandmother, Helen Tester. They could go on for hours. He was also a computer whiz kid and could fix or make just about anything he put his mind to. Mountain biking, camping and body building were also favorite pastimes.

Bobby John was proud to be a single father and showed an adoring devotion to his little girl. They were nearly constant companions and he unabashedly became proficient in every pursuit a young girl desired from dress-up games to putting up a pony tail.

Here is some of what she wrote in remembrance of her daddy:

“He was a great Dad and very cool. I loved it when he would walk me to the bus and pick me up from it every day. I loved it when we went to the Red Lobster and he would share his shrimp with me even though I had my own. I loved how he showed me how much he loved me. I loved his laugh. I miss him very much.”

He was a blessing to many and left us too soon. But someday the memories he gave us will help us push away the pain and smile again.

Robert John Tester, “Bobby John,” is survived by his father, Robert G. Tester; mother Lois A. Tester; and daughter and love of his life, Kirah Tester. Also by his grandparents, Betty and Ray Thompson; and grandfather Buddie Knutson. His surviving uncles are David F. Tester, Jon Tester, David A. Knutson, Edward Knutson and Don Vogl. His aunts are Becky Tester and Sharla Tester, Tonya Knutson and Betty Vogl. He was like a brother to the close-knit cousins from his father’s side: David J. Tester, Bridget (Tester) Kariotis, Shon Tester and Christine (Tester) Schultz. He was also loved by the cousin’s on his mother’s side: Amy Ryndak, David Knutson, Tara Andler and Katherine Vogl.

A memorial in his honor will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho. Please visit Bobby’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

A high school friend has established a fund to ensure the well-being and education of Bob’s young daughter. Contributions may be made online at: www.gofundme.com/bobtestersdaughter