Robert (Bob) Neil Rackham, 88

Robert (Bob) Neil Rackham, age 88, lately of Hayden, Idaho, passed away in the back bedroom of his home Nov. 3, 2022. Three of his children witnessed the last breath of this life’s journey.

He was born into the hands of Janetta (Nettie) Stewart Rackham in the front bedroom of her log cabin in Teton City, Idaho, June 4, 1934. His parents are Gertha Marie (Thomas) Rackham, and Robert (Bert) Ezra Rackham. He grew up in Teton, Idaho, and Kemmerer, Wyo.

He graduated as salutatorian from Fremont High school. He lettered in track and football. He was captain of both teams and went to state in both junior and senior years. He also attended Boy’s State. In 1952, he enrolled in the University of Idaho in a Geological Engineer program (concurrently in the ROTC program for two years). Bob became active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at this time. He later graduated with his master’s degree from the University of Idaho.

Upon his initial college graduation, he met the sweetheart of his life, Wanda Rae Westbrook. They were married for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 21, 1957. Now as a young officer in the USMC, he and his sweetheart moved from duty station to duty station.

He served in Da Nang, Vietnam, where he was awarded the Legion of Merit with a Combat “V”.

He and his eternal companion raised seven children: Rochelle-Hawaii, Robert-Texas, David-Texas, Craig-California, Jennifer-Virginia, Lianne-Virginia, and Joel-Virginia.

Bob and Wanda’s family were all very actively involved in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His callings ranged from the Young Men’s Scouting Program to Bishoprics and Stake High council accountabilities.

He was awarded the Silver Beaver from the National Area Counsel of the Boy Scouts of America. In Georgia he received the Distinguished Commissioner Scouting award from the Chehaw Council. He was awarded the Vigil Honor in The Order of the Arrow.

After completing his military career in the USMC, he retired as a colonel on Jan. 1, 1987, after 30 years. He then received his third Legion of Merit award.

Bob and Wanda entered the next phase of their lives, living in El Toro (later changed to Lake Forest), Calif. He was hired by McDonnell Douglas company and was bishop of the Lake Forest Ward. He retired from (now) Boeing Company in 2004.

He and Wanda moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They shared a great love for each other and for their family. They were devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bob is survived by his children: Rochelle (Paul] Brenner, Robert Rackham Jr., David (Merrilee) Rackham, Craig (Jennifer) Rackham, Jennifer (Eric) Peel, Lianne (Nick) Vroustouris, and Joel (Stacy) Rackham, as well as 32 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Marion (James) Yeager and Callie Helen Webb, additionally many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law and many other extended family members.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (477 E. Honeysuckle Ave., Hayden, ID 83835), with a public viewing 10-10:45 a.m., Nov. 15, 2022. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery; 21702 W. Espanola Road, Medical Lake, WA 99022

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Bob’s memorial and sign his online guestbook www.yatesfuneralhomes.com