Robert Harper Dixon, 86

Robert Harper Dixon, 86, of Bonners Ferry, entered his final rest on Monday, June 25.

He was a lifelong musician, educator and high school administrator.

One of his great joys in later life had been the acknowledgment of his positive influence on their lives by former students.

Born in Breckenridge, Tex., Bob's family moved to Uniontown, Penn., when he was two months old.

There his interest in history began to develop as he and his grandfather walked together among relics of the Civil War. His lifelong love of music also took root in Uniontown.

At age 12, during the height of the depression his family again resettled, this time in Long Beach, Calif.

He retired in 1984 and after a year-long motor home tour throughout the nation, became a Bonners Ferry resident in 1985.

He served there as President of the Retired Teachers Association.

During his high school years he began to seriously working toward improving his skill as a clarinetist and was rewarded by earning first chair in the Poly High orchestra and band. At age 16 he was a member of the 1937 graduating class.

While serving in the WWII Army Air Corps, he married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Elliot, who died in Bonners Ferry in 1999. Two daughters and a son were born to that union.

Some of Bob's fondest memories were of the four years he traveled and played baritone sax with a dance band after his discharge form the service.

He later took advantage of the GI Bill and began his studies toward a Master's Degree at the University of Southern California.

His first seven years as an educator were as band and orchestra instructor in the Long Beach California High School system. The remainder of his 35 years in education was in administration, a portion at the local Poly High, his own alma mater.

In 2001 Bob renewed his acquaintance with and married Mary (Morrison) Cook of Nampa, Idaho who was also his high school classmate and member of that school's orchestra and band in the 1930s.

In Addition to Mary, his beloved wife of five and a half years, Bob is survived by his three children; Linda Louise Trumbo of Long Beach, Calif., Melody Roberta Martin of Reno, Nev., and Jeffrey Harper Dixon of Paradise Valley, Calif.

Six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He also leaves one step-grandson, six-step grandchildren and one step-great granddaughter.

At Bob's request there are to be no services. Cremation is under the auspices of the Neptune Society.