Bob Olney

Robert “Bob” Gary Olney, 35, passed away on November 10, 2020, at his home.

Bob, beloved Son of Gary Olney and Trish Nelson Olney, was born June 9, 1985, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He joined his older sister, Jordan Leigh Olney, to complete their loving family. Their Grandma Allred often commented that Jordan and Robby were like peas in a pod!

Robby was an uncommon combination of compassion, creativity, intelligence, vitality, and spunk that was blessing to his family. His love of life, curiosity, and sense of adventure was front and center in his busy childhood. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and bike riding. He looked forward to the annual summer trip to Cherry Hill and Lagoon, but his favorite summer activity was spending time with his Nelson cousins Larry, Dottie, Jenny, Andrea, and Troy. Robby often said he had the best childhood any kid could imagine.

Robby loved sports, but his favorite was baseball. He was a talented shortstop and a life-long Atlanta Braves fan. His amazing intellect made it possible for him to remember players and stats, and he loved talking sports with his uncles Brad and Paul Nelson.

Robby absolutely loved animals and had a special connection with them. He loved all the family pets, but cats were his favorite. Cats gravitated to him and instantly loved him. He definitely had a gift as a cat whisperer!

In his teen years Robby, who now was known as Bob, carried the same qualities from childhood, but now added a fierce love for his family and friends and a magnetic personality. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you were his friend for life. He loved learning and developed a quick sense of humor that would often catch you by surprise. Spending time with Bob was filled with laughter, love and of course random facts from the immense catalog in his head. Bob graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2003 proudly wearing his outstanding English student award.

As an adult, Bob's outstanding qualities and intellect became even stronger. His love for his family was immense, and he was always ready and willing to help and support when needed. Bob's outgoing, friendly nature put people at ease, and he had many, many friends who loved him. His employers and co-workers found him to be hard-working, loyal, and an example to others. He especially loved his Texas Roadhouse family, and they returned his love tenfold. His special spirit touched all who met him. He was an amazing man who will missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Gary and Trish Olney; his sister, Jordan Leigh Olney; and his beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Waiting to embrace him on the other side are Grandma and Grandpa Allred; his namesake, Robert William Nelson; Grandpa Olney; Grandma and Grandpa Campbell; and cousin, Joel Viggers. Bob you left us too soon. Your legacy of love and kindness will live in all the many lives you touched. May we all follow your example of love, acceptance, and caring to everyone.

"Good night sweet prince, may flocks of angels sing thee to thy rest." William Shakespeare Hamlet Act 5, Scene 2.

Memorial Services will be held at 2p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Monday from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and Tuesday from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to the services. Funeral Services will be broadcast live on www.woodfuneralhome.com.

The family requests that any attending the service to please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Snake River Animal Shelter, https://www.snakeriveranimalshelter.org/make-a-donation, or S.P.A.N. Idaho (Suicide Prevention Action Network), http://www.spanidaho.org.