Bob Bybee

Bob J Bybee, life-long resident of Idaho Falls, born June 21, 1923, to Francis and Winnie Bybee, passed away December 6, 2017. Upon graduating from Idaho Falls High School, he served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Machinist during World War II. Upon his return, he worked as a jeweler and watch repairman for Kugler Jewelers. Later, he and his brother, Lowell, began Bybee Jewelers. Prior to retirement, he worked in the field of instrumentation for Westinghouse Corporation at the INL. Bob had an enthusiasm for life that was contagious!! He was a legend on the ski slopes of Idaho and the Northwest. He began his love of snow skiing by climbing to the top of Mount Glory on Jackson Teton Pass in 1948. Later becoming one of the co-founders of the KIFI Ski School at Pine Basin. He taught hundreds of people to ski while teaching at Pine Basin, Kelly Canyon and later Grand Targhee. He served as a board member for the National Ski Instructors Assoc. for several terms beginning in 1967. As an avid golfer, he served as President of the Idaho Falls Golf Association. Many happy summers were spent camping, boating, water skiing and fishing in the Idaho mountains with family and friends. His other passion in life was the Elks Association. As a Patriarch of the Idaho Falls Elks Lodge, he was listed as one of 30 members who led the local lodge, receiving his 73 year pin at a recent ceremony. Bob served in many officer positions at the local, state and national level and was heavily involved in the building of the Elks Lodge on Elva Street in l959. He loved music and dancing and was instrumental in bringing "The Big Band Sound" to the local lodge in the 1960s. A quote by H. S. Thompson best describes Bob’s philosophy of life, "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, "WOW!! What a ride!" He lived his life to the fullest. Bob is survived by his companion, Gail Degnan, who shared his life for the past 29 years. The family appreciates the love and care she gave Bob each and every day, his daughter ,Terri (Greg) Shoen of Boise, son, B.J. (Karin) Bybee of Idaho Falls, two grandchildren, Zac and Joe Shoen of Boise and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his spouse and high school sweetheart of 43 years, Patricia Flora, grandson, Mark Bybee and brothers, Burnell, Rawland and Lowell Bybee. The family would like to thank the Hands of Hope Hospice staff for their care in his last days. There will be a Celebration of Bob’s Life for both family and friends in the Spring of 2018.

Celebration of Life in the Spring of 2018. He passed away on