Robert Valencia, 69

Robert Rene Valencia, age 69, died May 4, 2026, at his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born in Altadena, Calif., on Nov. 5, 1956, to Donald and Rebecca (Meza) Valencia. He grew up in a wonderful neighborhood in Montebello, Calif., and graduated from Loyola High School. He then graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

His first employment was in the world of finance in California. He transitioned into the logistics industry and worked for Border State Logistics in Spokane, Wash., for more than 20 years.

Robert moved to the Coeur d’Alene area in 2006 to be close to his mother and brothers, Dave and Dan. Robert met and married his wonderful wife, Verna, in 2010. They made their home in Coeur d’Alene with three awesome rescue dogs. They enjoyed taking walks together, fishing, dining and socializing with family and friends. They also enjoyed cheering on their favorite teams, the L.A. Dodgers and the L.A. Lakers.  

Robert faithfully served his community. He served on the Parish Council of the St. Thomas Catholic Church and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He served for nine years on the board of directors of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho and was a Social Services Committee Chair. He was instrumental in planning the annual Support to End Homelessness fundraiser for the St. Vinny’s Warming Shelter.

Robert was also a proud and active member and supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous — 25 years clean and sober! 

Robert is survived by his wife, Verna of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his siblings, Olivia (Andy) Johnson of Estes Park, Colo., Daniel (Saundra) Valencia of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and David (Ramona) Valencia of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; nieces Dina Benz and Jessica Valencia of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Nikki Johnson of Denver, Colo., and Heather Porter of Grants Pass, Ore.; nephews, Daniel (Shana) Valencia of Maple Valley, Wash., Nathan (Chelsea) Johnson of Sacramento, Calif., David and Francisco Valencia of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Marco Alvarez of El Monte, Calif. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca (Becky), and his father, Donald Valencia, and his sisters, Mary Esther Gonzales and Yolanda "Lottie" Valencia.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, or to your local animal rescue.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A reception will follow at the church. Final arrangements are entrusted to Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, and you can sign Robert’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.