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Robert Alvis McGwier, Sr., 79
Robert Alvis McGwier, Sr. was born June 18, 1939, to H. Alvis “Mac” and Lillian (Sinclair) McGwier, in Baltimore, Md. In his youth the family moved to Tucker, Ga., and later to Atlanta. Bob was proud to have attended Young Harris College his junior year and finished at Wm. A. Bass High School in Atlanta.
Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an aircraft controller in the 716th Radar Squadron. Bob was stationed at Mount Hebo Air Station in Oregon and Blacktail Mountain in Lakeside, Mont., where Bob met Diane McCown.
Bob was honorably discharged and returned to Atlanta shortly after the couple was united in marriage on Aug. 26, 1961, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, Mont. Their union was blessed with four children and 57 years of marriage.
Bob studied engineering at Georgia Tech. and began working for Boston Gear Works, Dodge Manufacturing and the ASC Machine Tools in Spokane, Wash. Later, he worked in establishing the Northwest Territories for Bearings Inc. He then worked for Motion Industries, where he retired in 2001.
The couple made their home and raised their family in various communities including Atlanta, Richmond, Indianapolis, Spokane, and in 1973, they settled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Bob was a national technical delegate for USAA Jr. Ski Racing and traveled to races all over the northwest, as well as supporting his son Mike in college ski racing.
Bob enjoyed sailing, playing golf, tennis, hunting, backpacking, fly fishing, float trips, driving up the Coeur d’Alene River and spending time with his grandchildren in western Washington and Coeur d’Alene. Bob also lovingly cared for his mother-in-law, with Diane and his family, for seven years in their home before she went to be with the Lord in December 2008.
Bob and Diane are current members of Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho, and formerly were 40-year members of Coeur d’Alene Bible Church. He had been active in ministry, serving as a youth group leader and deacon. Bob also enjoyed participating in Bible Study Fellowship.
Bob entered the care of the Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho after several years of being cared for by Diane and family at home. Bob entered Heaven’s Gates on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at the age of 79 years.
Robert will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Diane of Post Falls; three children, Holly (and Mark) Butcher of Sequim, Wash., Rob McGwier Jr. of Post Falls and Beth (and Christopher) Leonardo of Everett, Wash.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Jane (Lewis) Robertson of Rutledge, Ga.; sister-in-law, Paula (Jeff) Little of Kalispell; cousin, David (and Jackie) Sinclair of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews, as well as other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael Acil McGwier, and his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with care of the final arrangements. Please visit Bob’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.
God has made him your father for a reason, and you will be blessed for honoring him.
Exodus 20:12
“Blessed and eternal be the memory of Robert Alvis McGwier, Sr.”