Robert (Bob) Eugene Gifford, 73

Robert (Bob) Eugene Gifford, 73 years old, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, passed away with his loving wife and partner, Cheryl Pannell, by his side, due to complications of Covid pneumonia, on Feb. 4, 2022, in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. Bob was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., on March 25, 1948, and was brought home to his loving parents Gilbert and Maybelle Gifford of Rockford, Washington. He grew up on the South Hill of Spokane, Wash., and graduated from Freeman High School with a scholarship for college in football.

He spent most of working career as a salesman of auto and heavy-duty truck parts. He was an outside salesman for Kenworth for more than 30 years. He raised his family North of Spokane but spent the last 28 years in Athol and Spirit Lake, Idaho.

He loved the outdoors, hunting, and riding UTVs in Clark Fork, Idaho, and in Montana. But his passion was horses and rodeo. He won many buckles and awards in team roping and team penning, and at one time he was ranked 16th on the Senior Pro Rodeo Circuit.

He had the biggest heart and cared about everyone. He would do anything for you if he thought you were his friend. He was loved by many. Bob was survived by his wife, Cheryl Pannell, and Daughter Krysta Sherman and four Grandsons in West Richland, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Union Gospel Mission.

A celebration of life will to be held this spring at a date, time, and location to be determined.