Robert Charles Vail

Robert Charles Vail, 70, of Idaho Falls, passed away on September 30, 2021, in Orlando, Florida.

Robert was born February 19, 1951, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He graduated from Boise High School in 1969. Robert then attended Idaho State University where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Physics.

Robert married Teresa Schmier in 1973. He continued his education with his wife and earned a Master’s of Science in Plasma Physics from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. This led to him having a successful career as a lead Semiconductor Engineer, working on cutting edge electronics. He worked at many big companies including T.I., INTEL, National Semiconductor, Fairchild, TEGAL, and Infinian. He was known by all who knew him as a man of integrity and kindness, well respected and loved by his coworkers. He retired from the Semiconductor industry as a leader in his field and loved the freedom that retirement offered. Robert had a very funny personality and loved to tease family and friends. He loved his family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, being outside whether he was camping, at Disneyland, at a Dodgers baseball game, in his Mustang, or on the motorcycle. His love of electronics and technology carried over from work into the home. With a love of the gospel he chose to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which he served faithfully in many callings, including as Bishop at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Robert loved to travel especially to see his children and grandchildren and, before that, traveled extensively for his career. He was proud of his children and of all the unique accomplishments they each had. Robert loved to get hugs from his grandchildren and always sneakily tried to get their hugs first before Teresa’s.

He loved to play games with his family, everything from board and card games to computer games. He was competitive and loved the strategy of games, especially Risk. Disneyland was one of the happiest places on earth for him. He always held a season pass. He loved to go there for the day or even if it was just to get some of the best fried chicken for dinner.

Robert has always loved baseball. He still had a cracked baseball bat that was given to him when he was younger by a professional ball player. Robert went to baseball games with his dad whenever he could and continued the tradition with his kids and grandkids. He went to the world series twice and hoped that the Dodgers would get there again so he could go cheer them on. His favorite holiday was Halloween and he loved hiding among his decorations and scaring the kids who came to his door. Robert always had a smile and was willing to serve those in need, especially his children. He was deeply loved by his wife and children who adored him and were always thrilled to spend time with him. Robert will be sorely missed and thought of often.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Teresa; his children, Jennifer (Spencer), Chuck (Jenn), Elizabeth (Charles), Nicholas (Paris), and Michael (Alicia); sister, Claudette (Joe) and 19 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 25, 2021, at Ammon 23rd Ward, 4030 John Adams Parkway, with Bishop Justin Bell officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road and Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.