Robert Wayne Emery

On Thursday, February 4, 2021, Robert Wayne Emery awoke as he always did, giving thanks for another day. Though his body was frail and tired, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation to be able to draw another determined breath. He always lived on his own terms, and he was happy and prepared to leave on his journey after sharing some precious time and saying his goodbyes with his family. Bob left us peacefully, with his family around him.

There was never a dull moment with Bob. He was always imparting sayings in his own unique style of words that were at times insightful for the moment or they could, and very likely would, bring a chuckle to a moment of extreme seriousness. Up until the end, his positive outlook and sense of humor remained with him - his memories shared, funnies made, and his love abounding.

Bob Emery attended various schools in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and he graduated from Idaho Falls High School in the class of 1966. On April 13, 1968, Bob married the love of his life, Catherine Winter in Elko, Nevada. Shortly afterwards, his Army National Guard unit (the 116th Combat Engineer Battalion) was called into active duty, and he proudly served in Vietnam serving a tour from August of 1968 to August of 1969.

Bob loved doing renovation projects and re-doing rooms in his homes. He always was the person to come to for advice and often helped others with their projects. For many years, he worked at Bennett’s Paint and Glass and became quite meticulous in his painting craft and still remains an example of doing the job right from start to finish! Bob went on to work at the Idaho National Laboratory as a Security Guard in 1982 and impressed the upper management so much that he was promoted into a management position. He was later in charge of all of the security processes there and, after a 30 year career, retired from the INL in 2014.

Bob enjoyed fishing in Island Park and floating the rivers while listening to Willie Nelson on his headphones.

Though many of his proudest moments involved those spent with his family, he was always happy to share momentous occasions and adventures with all of his many close friends. Bob was a lover of good times. Some of his last ramblings were spent with Cathy in their motorhome, enjoying not only the exploring but was thrilled with all the people they met along the way that he was able to chat with. The simple pleasures in life brought great joy to Bob!

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Cathy (Winter) Emery; his daughter, Nikki (Emery) Wells and her children and grandchildren; his son, Mitch (Kristen) Emery and children; his son, Derek (Stasha) Emery and children; All in all, Bob loved his 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Dennis Emery, Anet (Randall) Emery-Bargelt, and John (Nola) Emery. He also has many nieces and nephews that adored their “Uncle Bobo” and many friends that thought of Bob as family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyd J. and Velma Emery; brother, James Emery; and his grandson, Devon Emery-Jones.

“We will forever adore and remember you, Bob – we will stand taller and stronger knowing you are now watching over us – Always Believing.”

Due to COVID considerations, close family members will gather for services on Friday, February 12, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. MST - which can be attended virtually by all others at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of floral arrangements the family is asking that donations be sent to the VA Fisher House, Salt Lake City, UT at the link below:

https://engage.fisherhouse.org/site/Donation2?2403.donation=form1&df_id=2403&mfc_pref=T