Robert "Bob" Clark

ROBERT KURT 'BOB' / 'BURKE' CLARK IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Bob came into his world August 11, 1962, and was a great blessing to his parents, Kathryn Verran Clark and Richard “Dick” Parker Clark. His birth brought great joy as well to his grandparents, George T. And Hilda Verran. Bob’s family was always very precious, very important for him. He remembered with great fondness the family trips to Yellowstone, staying at the Madison Hotel in West Yellowstone, taking in productions at the Playmill Theatre and visiting the Depot. Yellowstone continued throughout his life to be a very special place that he returned to again and again. Bob also loved to visit with his dear Aunt Doris Moore Frink and his cousin, Robbie Anne Sobey, in California. They remained forever in his heart, even if they were not always close geographically. Bob had a deep sense of family tradition and felt it was his duty and honor to preserve the memories of family members who had passed away. Even though he had never known his uncle, he know of his mother’s brother who had served abroad in the Second World War. His mother and grandparents had instilled in him from early childhood the sacred responsibility of caring for deceased family members’ graves, a tradition he carried on year after year, as first his mother, then his grandmother and finally his grandfather passed away. He continued lovingly tending their grave sides, decorating them year after year. He planted two beautiful pink rose bushes for his beloved mother, one on either side of her headstone. He loved his mother dearly, and although her premature death, when Bob was just 20, was very devastating for him, Bob always preserved her memory. He spoke with great pride of her and cherished the many memories and mementos she had left him. Bob never lost contact with his father, spending many happy times with him and his new siblings, Michelle and Richard Clark. He always had fond memories of being with them in the mountains, riding horses, herding sheep. Bob loved being out of doors, camping, hunting and fishing. Bob grew up in Idaho Falls and attended school at Holy Rosary Elementary from first through eighth grades, studied his ninth-grade year at Clair E. Gale Jr. High and went to Idaho Falls High School for the tenth through twelfth grades, graduating from there in 1980. He attended school at Idaho State University, received his degree in Cosmetology from Vogue Beauty College and also studied for his real estate license in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bob worked for Josie Blair as a stylist and was so proud when he opened his salon, 21st Century Salon Services. He won numerous awards for his ability to style his clients’ hair, including clients who were statewide contestant of the Idaho Beauty Pageants. He himself modeled, as well. Bob had exquisite taste, which was reflected in so many and varied ways: His love of all things antique, particularly old cars, which he loved not only to collect but to maintain in peak condition, as he knew intimately their inner workings. Bob was a sentimental person who placed great value on preserving memorabilia of the past that he felt represented a simpler time. For Bob, this sense of nostalgia harkened back to a time of solid values on the part of craftspeople, whose enduring workmanship showed a respect for their fellow human beings because they cared to make things that would last and enhance the world around us. Bob’s taste in decorating his home was impeccable. He had a great love of music and enjoyed playing the piano. He also loved dance and was proud of dancing in the Nutcracker Suite. As well, Bob had a strong artistic ability, which he displayed in his drawings, sketches and photographs. Bob was an intelligent man who read avidly to increase his knowledge of the world around him. His beloved cats, Midnight, Mike and Doody, were a big part of his life. Just as they were faithful companions to him, so he in turn cared for them with ongoing devotion. Bob is survived by his beloved cousin, Robbie Anne Sobey, and Robbie’s children, Kasey, Ryan and Mackenzie of Palm Springs, Calif.; his very dear friend of many years, Vanessa Winger of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and her children, Derrick Winger of Boise, Idaho, and Jack Winger of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his close friend and neighbor of twenty years, Corrine Jones of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his dear and sweet friend throughout his life, Bette Burgener of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his lifelong friend since grade school, Rosemarie Schwarzenberger, and her two sons, Brandon and Dylan Andrade of Boise, Idaho, who will greatly miss their “Uncle Bob”; and of course, his beloved Doody. Bob left this world November 10, 2008, dying peacefully in his sleep, but even though he is not here with us physically, we feel his spirit near us. We know that he is so happy to be reunited at last with his mother, father, aunt and grandparents, as well as Midnight and Mike. We, his family and friends, invite you to celebrate Bob’s life with us on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, on the corner of Ninth and Lee Streets in Idaho Falls at noon with a recitation of the Rosary at 12:30 p.m., with Father Joe McDonald officiating at the Mass at 1 p.m., which will be followed by a luncheon at 2:15 p.m. at Christ the King Hall. We also want, at this time, to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and kindness that so many people, who knew and love Bob (Burke), have extended towards us. Thank you. --------------------------------------------- Condoences received online: Rosellen Villarreal-Price I remember Bobby very fondly from when we were both in Holy Rosary School together. We both had a difficult time with other kids and found some friendship with each other. He was a very important person to me then. I hadn't seen him since that time but my sister would talk to him occasionally. He made a mark on my life and I'll always thank God for the friend I had at that time. I'm certain I'll see him again. You and he will be in my prayers. Cathy Rainey I am so sorry for your loss. I visited him daily. I will miss visiting him. I feel like I lost a good friend. I'm so sorry.