Robert “Bob” Emery
Kimbrough, February 21, 1947 to June 18, 2017
Heaven is brighter now because of Bob’s smile. A smile that has brightened so many people’s
lives especially his family, friends and everyone he crossed paths with. As the son of Walter and Mary Kimbrough and
the middle child of 4 rowdy boys, Bob spent his childhood days exploring,
hunting and having great adventures in the Mojave Desert. These adventures
later grew from running barefoot to driving homemade dune buggies with his best
friends especially Larry Miller. Everywhere you found Bob, Larry was not far
behind. High school football and
wrestling were a major focus for Bob during his high school years. After
football season, you could always count on Bob and Larry loading up their rigs
for quail hunting.
After graduating from Palmdale High in 1965, Bob
enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and proudly served his country. During Vietnam,
Bob’s home port was Yokuska Japan where he served on the supply ship, the USS
Pollux (aks “Liberty Ship”), from 11/1966 to 12/1968. He then served on the
fleet tug, the USS Arikara, from 1/1969 to 6/1970. His Navy experiences led him
to his career choice of commercial refrigeration and gave him the work ethic to
pursue it. Recently Bob reconnected with his Arikara shipmates and had the
honor of meeting the Arikara Indian Nation that his ship was named after. Reconnecting
with his shipmates and the Indian Nation was an experience that he treasured and
he shared his memories frequently.
In 1969, Bob married Roberta Lowe. They had 3
children: Amie Anne on October 5, 1973; Seth Emory June 17, 1976 to June 24,
1976; and Betsie Emma on November 30, 1977. They later divorced. After leaving
the Navy, Bob resided in his hometown of Palmdale, California and worked
construction with his family. He took classes at the Antelope Valley College
for an Associate of Science degree in commercial refrigeration. Bob worked in
this trade for the next 43 years.
Bob and his family followed his best friend, Larry,
to Idaho in January 1975. Bob continued to work in refrigeration at Boise State
College from 1977 to 1979 as a mechanical system foreman. In 1979, Bob
transitioned to US West (aka Mountain Bell) where he worked as a building
maintenance manager for the Pacific Northwest until retirement. Bob also
followed his passion for farming and raising cattle.
While working at US West, Bob met Janice “Jan”
Bresnahan. They married in 1988 and Bob’s family increased with the addition of
Amy and Jake. Bob achieved another dream by being able to build his first
beautiful family home in 1991. After his retirement with US West, Bob
successfully owned and operated his own commercial refrigeration and HVAC
business.
Bob’s journey in faith began in 1987 when Bob
received Christ. He and his family were involved for many years in the “No
Greater Love” Easter Pagant at the First Church of the Nazarene in Nampa. God
used Bob’s construction skills to support church missions and local church
projects. He dearly loved the fellowship with the friends that shared these
projects with him.
In 1998, Bob and Jan welcomed his great niece,
Cheyenne Dawn, into their home and in 2002 completed the adoption process. The
family was now complete. After completing his second home, he was finally able
to devote time to pursue his passion as the family chef, baker and BBQ master. His
family never missed an opportunity to have his famous tacos, homemade pizzas
and bread.
Bob lost his 6 year battle with prostate cancer on
June 18, 2017. He is preceded in death by his father, Walter and his son Seth.
Bob leaves his mother Mary Kimbrough, wife Jan, his daughters Amie (Glenn) Rose, Betsie Kimbrough, Amy
(Kevin) Hayden and Cheyenne Kimbrough, his son Jake (Tera) Sell, grandchildren
Andrew and Christian Rose, Rico and Nate Del Grande, Sage and June Sell along
with many extended family and friends. Our thanks to MSTI, but a special thanks
to Dr. Swerdloff and his staff for pursuing every possible treatment. Heart and
Home Hospice was amazing and there when we needed them the most.
A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Kuna Life Church, 500 E Deer Flat Rd., Kuna, Idaho under the direction of Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel. A graveside service with military honors will
follow at the Kuna Cemetery.