Robert Joseph Manley

Robert Joseph Manley

Robert Joseph Manley, “Bob,” was born Aug. 2, 1948, and passed Jan. 4, 2019. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the United Methodist Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Reception to follow (6568 Lincoln St).

He was born to Robert Norbel and Olive Myrtle Thomas of Rapid City, S.D. He attended Rapid City Central High School. After graduation Bob joined the National Guard where he was stationed in Germany. While in Europe he traveled extensively and gained much world knowledge. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

His sense of adventure didn’t stop there. He attended Rapid City School of Nursing and was the only male in the graduating class of 1974. His nursing career took him all over, from Los Angeles to Alaska. It was his nursing career that would lead him to his wife of 29 years, Linda Manley.

Bob was also an entrepreneur. He opened his own travel nursing business, Supplemental Staffing. However, when the time was right he was able to retire to his lifelong dream, of being a gunsmith in the mountains, with the creation of Manley Gunsmithing.

Bob was very active in the NRA. He was chairman of the board of the North Idaho Panhandle Chapter of the Friends of the NRA. He was an expert in all things guns as well as an expert in friendship. When he wasn’t in the shop he was entertaining his daughter, her gaggle of friends, or grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Norbel; mother, Olive Myrtle Thomas; and sisters Yvonne Holter, Kathy Steinmet and Robin Marley.

Bob leaves behind wife Linda Manley, step-daughter Jolin Honas and his grandchildren Bronson, Carolyn, and Logan. Daughters Leah Thornton and Karen. Sons Jeff Cook and Gary Manley. Brothers Jim and Mike Manley of Moyie Springs. Nieces and Nephews Abraham, Joseph, Jeremiah, Samantha, and Tyrel Manley.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Methodist Church Community Lunch program, so all can feel as welcome as Bob made them feel: P.O. Box 103. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805