Robert "Bob" Scates passed away at his home in Coeur d'Alene on Sept. 9, 2011. Bob was born on Dec. 18, 1917, in Somersworth, N.H. to the Rev. Elmer and Beatrice Stott Scates. Bobby, as he was called, joined two older sisters: Pricilla and Winifred. Bob had two younger sisters: Alberta and Miriam. Bob and his family moved to Enosburg Falls, Vt. at the age of one. The family moved again to Jewitt City, Conn. where he spent most of his childhood. Bob attended school at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, Conn. where he participated in many sports, but won state titles in football and cross country. Bob also attended the University of Connecticut where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in forestry in 1940.

In 1941, Bob married Catherine Belser in Columbia, S.C. In the spring of 1985, Bob was married a second time to Elisabeth Dunlop in Coeur d'Alene.

Bob served in the U.S. Army during World War II. During his six years of service, he specialized in anti-tank warfare. Bob was a captain of the 2nd Infantry 3rd Army under Gen. George Patton. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritous action in 1944.

After his discharge from the Army in 1946, Bob and his wife Catherine (Kit) moved to Minnesota where Bob attended dental school at the University of Minnesota. It was while searching for a place to begin his practice that Bob and Kit found Coeur d'Alene. Bob was a dentist in Coeur d'Alene from 1948-1980. During that time Bob lived in Hayden Lake (1948-1958), Post Falls (1958-1985) and after his marriage to Elisabeth Dunlop Scates he moved to the Fort Grounds neighborhood in Coeur d'Alene where he lived until three years ago.

Bob was very involved with many organizations and clubs at the state and local level. He spent ten years on the Post Falls school board, served four terms in the Idaho state Legislature, was involved in Kiwanis, the Idaho Dental Association, Military Order of World Wars, and the VFW just to name a few. As a true sportsman, he also was one of the founders of the Coeur d'Alene Public Golf Course as well as an original member of the Top-of-the-hill Tennis Gang. Bob was very involved in church activities at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He sang in the choir, was a lay reader and a member of the vestry. Though Bob was busy with many different activities, clubs, and organizations he always made time for his biggest passion, forestry. Bob owned a 1,100-acre tree farm in Rathdrum, where he would while away hours of time with his forestry consultant of 20 years, Mike Wolcott. One of Bob's proudest accomplishments was when he won the honor of being Idaho's tree farmer of the year.

Dr. Robert M. Scates is survived by his son David Scate and Cheryl of Coeur d'Alene; son Charles Scates of Marysville, Wash.; and daughter Peggy Goodrow and Larry of Florence, Ore. Bob has six nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the NIC Foundation or St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

The family also would like to thank The Four Seasons Assisted Living and Memory Care Community for the wonderful care and family environment that was provided to Bob during his time there. We appreciate all of the love, kindness, and support that was given to Bob and the family during his final days.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011 at the Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. A funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church with Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements. A reception will follow the service at the church and burial will take place at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Bob's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com