Robert LeRoy Unruh, 85

Jesus welcomed Robert LeRoy Unruh into heaven on Feb. 15, 2020. A native of Coeur d’Alene, he was the fourth child born on Aug. 17, 1934, to Ernest Frank and Pansy Naomi Unruh.

Our handsome Dad married our beautiful Mom, his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lafferty, 66 years ago. They had five children.

Dad was funny, very talented, thankful, kind, always willing to lend a hand, an encourager, a student of the Bible and he had a great sense of humor. He was greatly loved by his family, but loved Jesus above all else. Dad also loved people throughout his life and freely gave out lots of hugs!

As a young man he played violin, even playing in the Fred Waring Competition when he was 6. He also played harmonica. Dad graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School, where he played and lettered in both football and track and field. He bowled in a league and earned a trophy. He won two trophies from Toastmaster International for his speaking abilities. Dad was also head usher for the Billy Graham Crusade in Coeur d’Alene in 1967.

He worked hard to support his family, sometimes working two to three extra jobs. Side jobs included work at gas stations; painting houses; at the Ford Garage, the Coca-Cola company, Playland Pier (now Independence Point) and Sprint telephone; and he owned a bunny farm and rode shotgun as backup when son, Mark, served papers. But his main jobs were at Potlatch Mill (38 years) and building an Amway business with Mom.

Throughout his whole time, Dad was teaching Bible classes, pastoring at Walnut Avenue Gospel Chapel, counseling many, mentoring more, and he was prayer minister for Men’s Catalyst Ministries. Dad and Mom also worked at Real Life Ministries information/greeters desk; they had home group Bible study every Wednesday in their home, plus a men’s Bible study.

Dad, along with his brother, Gene, were camp warden and camp director at Twinlow Bible Camp for a week in June every year.

Dad had a gift of working with wood — building Barbie doll beds, child size cupboards, bookshelves, cabinets, picture frames and step stools for great-grandkids.

Dad also loved animals — from his pet dog, Pat, from his teenage years to his lap kitties Sam and Alice.

Dad also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, swimming and especially our family gatherings! Much laughter, joy and hugs were shared as he barbecued for family parties, especially the Fourth of July!

Dad liked to travel. Dad and Mom would travel throughout the United States with his brother, Gene, and his wife, Margarette. Mom and Dad also got to go to Israel — a lifelong dream.

Dad taught all of us kids to always thank Mom for all her hard work, especially every meal she made. He was grateful and thankful for everyone who helped him. Dad had a wonderful working knowledge of the Bible — he was like an encyclopedia knowing exactly where a verse was found.

One of his greatest joys was being able to baptize his grandkids and great-grandkids as they came to know Jesus. He also was the pastor who married some of his grandkids!

Dad wanted everyone to know Jesus. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father, but through me.” John 14:6

The last week of Dad’s life, family and many friends celebrated with hugs and joy as they loved on him and he loved them back, with singing and testimonies of how he touched their lives.

Dad was looking forward to seeing his son, Mark Robert, who went to be with the Lord last May, 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters Nancy (Gary) Box, Pamela (Charlie) Robinson, Laura (Brock) Box and Sherry Besich; and his brother, Gene. He also has 11 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

The Lord said “Well done thou good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21

Come celebrate Robert’s life at 3 p.m. on March 7, 2020, at Real Life Ministries in building 2.

Please bring your favorite potluck dish.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements please sign his online memorial at www.EnglishFuneralChapel.com.