Robert ‘Bob’ Louis Fitch

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert “Bob” Louis Fitch announces his passing on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Sandpoint, Idaho, at the age of 90 years. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday July 16, 2020, at the Grandview Cemetery in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Bob was born on Jan. 31, 1929, in Lincoln, Neb., to Theodore and Vera Hayward Fitch. After spending much time with his grandparents, Jessie and Mary Fitch, he graduated from high school in Lincoln, Neb. Bob attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he received his Master’s in Education. He excelled in athletics which included football, basketball and track.

In 1952, he joined the United States Navy. He was an airplane mechanic and a Special Service member of many naval athletic teams. Track was his specialty and he held several national records in the hurdles.

Bob met Joan Burchell in 1952 and they were married the following year. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, they settled in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where he and Joan had two children, Terri and Dennis. They built their home and cabin and resided there for 60 years.

During that time, Bob taught welding, history, woodshop, and anything needed at Bonners Ferry High School. He coached football, basketball, and track for many years. Bob worked summers at the forest service and U.S. Immigration at the U.S./Canadian Border in Porthill, Idaho, where he continued to work after retiring from teaching in 1991.

Bob and Joan enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, and spending time on the Moyie River. They were married 55 years before Joan’s passing in 2007. Bob was active in the American Legion, Color Guard, Booster Club, and Bonners Ferry Civic activities.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by his two children: Terri (Bryan) Duncan of Hayden, Idaho, and Dennis (Jayna) Fitch of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; three grandchildren: Kelli Duncan, Nicole Fitch, and Cameron Fitch; and nieces and nephews Dale Fitch Jr., Patti Fitch, Jeanette Jacobs, Dean Fitch, Georgia Fitch and Mark Fitch. He was also loved by Alicia (Dylan) Higgins, and Breanna Richey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan, and his brother Dale Fitch. Services for Bob will be announced at a later date.