Robert 'Bob' Brooke, 85

We are sad to announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Derrel Brooke, 85, of Hayden Lake, Idaho, on Nov. 18, 2023. Born on Dec. 4, 1937, in Manilla, Philippines, Bob grew up in Napa, Calif. He graduated from Napa High School in 1955 and from UC Berkeley in 1960. A business major, Bob was captain of Cal’s varsity crew team and president of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. At Berkeley, he met Barbara Dunlap, his wife of 63 years. Together they traveled the world, visiting five continents. He was a connoisseur of fine wines and served many years as president of the Orange County Wine Society.

A true patriot, Bob had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving for 33 years and retiring as a Brigadier General in 1993. In his civilian life, he worked for more than three decades at Traveler’s Insurance Company, retiring as a Senior Vice President. Bob moved with his family to Idaho in 2005, where he became an active community member in his adopted state. He was passionate about politics, serving as the Region 1 chairman of the Idaho Republican Party. For more than a decade, he was the President of the local chapter of Pachyderms and in 2023 was recognized for his many contributions with the “Tough Tusk” award, the highest honor bestowed by the National Pachyderms organization. For many years, he was a Board Member of the Reagan Republicans and the Precinct Committeeman for Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Brooke of New York; his son, Rob and daughter-in-law Angela of Post Falls; and three grandchildren, Rachel (Brooke) Berto, Hayden Brooke, and Alex Rosen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bertha Brooke, and sister Bertolet Class.

Private Memorial Services will be held at a later date.