Robert W. Avon, 82

Robert W. Avon passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in Coeur d’Alene at the age of 82.

Bob lived the American dream, soaring to incredible heights figuratively and literally. He is remembered by all who loved him for his megawatt smile, uproarious laughter and commitment to his family.

Bob was married to the only love of his life, Norma Jeanne, for almost 45 years before she passed away in 2004. Bob is survived by his sister, Diane Miller, and his children Doug Avon, Brigitte Brazda and Monique Stewart, and their families, which consist of six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Born in New York City, his parents moved to Southern California. He grew up as an all-American boy with a love of adventure and fun.

Bob was a natural athlete and he ran hurdles in high school as a member of the track and field team. He attended Occidental College in Southern California, with his focus on math and land surveying.

He met Norma and he knew she was the one. They were soon married and started their life together. As their children arrived, Bob and Norma always put their children first.

Bob moved his young family to North Idaho in 1972 to escape the pollution and city life of the Los Angeles area. He purposely risked moving from lucrative financial opportunities -- mainly so that his family and his children could grow up in a cleaner, safer place.

He loved to fly, to spend time on the water, and camping. Aviation was his passion. Bob enjoyed all aspects of flying – from gliding to performing aerobatics. His love of airplanes spanned decades. He also was a longtime member of the Civil Air Patrol for many years. In 1980, Bob won a Region 8 Sports Class Championship for soaring as a member of the Soaring Society of America.

In Coeur d’Alene, he was a self-employed land surveyor. Bob also owned and operated, with the help of his family, the Coeur d'Alene Cottage Courts.

A highly respected surveyor, Bob was known for always being careful and precise with his work. He simply refused to cut corners. He held land surveying licenses for Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Alaska. He was also a board member of the northern chapter of the Idaho Association of Land Surveyors. Later in his professional career, he worked for the City of Coeur d’Alene as a surveyor.

Bob will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Funeral service for Robert Avon will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene, 744 N. Fourth St. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. On-line registry may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.