Robert William “Bob” Gaw, 81, passed away on Friday, June 22, 2018, in Clark Fork, Idaho.

Bob was born on Nov. 6, 1936, in Trenton, N.J., to Robert L. and Rita Marie (Hill) Gaw. He grew up in the Bordentown, N.J., area and was active in sports and chorus while attending William McFarland High School.

Bob was a veteran of the U. S. Coast Guard serving from 1955 until 1959. His service was on buoy tenders in New York and New Jersey.

Bob attended Burling-ton County College, North-western Univer-sity Traffic Institute and the College of New Jersey. Bob coached little league, and was an avid bowler in the White Horse League. He had a love of dogs and competed in obedience and spent many happy hours hunting birds.

Bob was a member and past president of Springfield TWP Fire Co. No. 1 in Jobstown, N.J.. He was a member and past president of the Burlington City Police Chief’s Association.

Bob served a total of 32 years in law enforcement, he began his career in the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles and Highway Patrol in 1962. He was inducted in the New Jersey State Police in 1979 and retired after 25 years of service. He was a member of the Wally Byham Airstream Club during this time. He enjoyed visiting historic sites and later visited family and national parks.

He later served for 10 years as the first full-time police chief of the Chesterfield, N.J., Police Department. In 1995, he retired and moved to Idaho. The joy of his life was becoming involved with the Clark Fork community and the Clark Fork High School. He was a substitute teacher for 21 years. His devotion to the students gave him joy. He mentored and loved all who came into his life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth Gaw of Clark Fork; a sister, Betty M. Andreacci of Lynch, Ky.; a son, Robert J. Gaw of New Jersey; two daughters, Kimberlee Taylor of Stevensville, Mont., and Heather McGee of Easton, Md.; two grandchildren, Lucas and Sophie McGee. Also surviving are three stepchildren, Edward Donley of Pennsylvania, Bryan Donley of New Jersey and Christie Webb of New Jersey; as well as a niece and several nephews.

No services are planned. Anyone wishing to donate to the “Bob Gaw Memorial Scholarship” is encouraged to do so. Donations can be sent to the CFHS. A scholarship will be awarded to a graduating student in his name.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Bob’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.