Bob Wood

Robert E.  “Bob” Wood, 89, passed away in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on Sunday, Dec, 12, 2010.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Saturday, Dec. 18. in the Sandpoint First Christian Church.  Pastor Tony Nelson, First Christian Church, will officiate and burial will be in the Pack River Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday, Dec. 17, from noon to 6 p.m. at Coffelt Funeral Service in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Bob was born in Topeka, Kan., on Aug. 28, 1921, the son of Riley and Gladys Wood. The family moved to the Gold Creek area north of Sandpoint in 1940 and Bob graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1941.

He worked on the family ranch and on logging jobs, marrying Bernice Spahr on Dec. 27, 1944, in Coeur d’Alene.  In February 1945 he joined the US Army and served during WW II.

In 1947 Bob and Bernice purchased their first ranch on Gold Creek and began their cattle and hay ranch. The ranch would later expand and include timber operations. The ranch was sold in 1972 and the family farm was moved to the Oden area. It is modernized and continues raising hay and cattle.

Today the family continues farming in both Naples and Oden.

Bob was active in the Bonner County Cattleman’s Association, the Horseman’s Association, and was associated with the Bonner County Fair Livestock Auction for over 20 years. 

Bob and Bernice were named Bonner County Grassman of the year in 1967 and the Bonner County Beef Family in 1983. Bob was a member of the Fair Board since 1965, serving as Chairman for over 18 years, and was an active 4 – H Leader for many years. Bob and Bernice also drove a four-wheel drive school bus from Gold Creek to Northside School for 15 years.

In his retirement Bob continued to help out on the family farm in Naples, enjoying the farm and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son Bert (and Liz) Wood in Naples, Idaho; five grand daughters Leslie (and Harvey) Lippert in Sandpoint, Idaho; Brenda (and Carl) Kerttu in Naples, Idaho; Amy (and Ben) Robertson in Bonners Ferry, ID; Kate and Erica Wood, still at the family home in Naples; two great grand children Larissa Lippert and Cameron Kerttu.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his son Delbert in 1977, his brother David, and his wife Bernice in 2002.

Family and friends are invited to sign Bob’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.