Robert Smith, 71

Robert “Bob” Smith, born June 14, 1953, passed away peacefully Oct. 5, 2024, at the youthful age of 71 while enjoying the great outdoors. Anyone who knew Bob knew he was a never-ending source of energy. From the time he was a little boy to his final day, he was always in motion. A retired fireman/paramedic of 40 years, he was also a member of Kootenai County Sheriff Volunteer Search and Rescue, the 55th Patriot Battalion, The John Burch Society, Patriot Level Lifetime member of the NRA and was an avid shooter, hunter, skier, motorcycle rider, kayaker, archer and one-time scuba diver, mountain climber and skydiver. Born in Houston, Texas, to Hugh O. Smith and Myrtle E. Smith, the family moved to the Northeast, spending years in Pennsylvania before eventually moving to Florida. The whole family moved to Spokane in 1974, where Bob eventually fulfilled his dream of becoming a fireman/paramedic. 

In 1989, he established the Fernan Rod & Gun Club in Coeur d’Alene and remained the director until he passed away from a heart attack on a mountaintop while riding his dirt bike. He also established his firearms school, “Security Awareness and Firearms Education” (SAFE), which he operated for over 20 years, teaching firearms skills and safety to thousands from around the world. 

There are few people in the world who can claim to have touched as many lives as Bob did. From pulling people from burning buildings and administering lifesaving CPR to delivering a baby while working as a fireman/paramedic. Establishing the Fernan Rod & Gun Club made it possible for thousands of gun enthusiasts to enjoy shooting sports in a safe and friendly atmosphere. For 35 years, FRGC was his passion project, and he transformed an empty plot of land into the premier outdoor gun range in the Northwest.

His sudden passing is a loss to all that knew him and he will be greatly missed. But he leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, humor, hard work and dedication. 

He is survived by his wife, Melanie Smith; his sister, Augustine Fawkes; stepdaughters Tambra Leslie and Haylie Kushan (Jacob); stepsons Brandon Gebhardt (Nicole), Dustin Gebhardt (Jennifer); and five loving grandchildren: Krystin, Nola, Lily, Brianna and Zoey. 

There will be a service for Bob this Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Fernan Rod & Gun Club. RSVP would be a help if you can. And you might want to consider a lawn chair as the service will be outdoors. Bell Tower Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.