Robert Edward Lehman

Friday, May 16, 2008

April 14, 1939 - May 12, 2008

ST. ANTHONY, Idaho -- Robert Edward Lehman, of St. Anthony passed away peacefully to join his Lord and Savior, at home, with his children present, May 12, 2008.Bob was born at home in Guthrie, Okla., to John Kenneth Lehman and Inez Marie Hokanson Lehman, April 14, 1939. The family then moved to McCook, Neb. The family lost their father in 1946. Bob supported his family, starting at a young age delivering newspapers until he graduated from high school in 1957. He then attended McCook Junior College where he started on his degree in engineering. On Sept. 26, 1959, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Ruth McCormick. They later divorced in 1985.

The couple moved to Fort Collins, Colo., to finish college. The first of the five children, Rebecca Sue (Magrath) Suttlemyre (1961), was born there. After graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering and taking a job with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), they moved to Colorado Springs, Colo. Daughters, Rhonda Kay Dalley (1962) and Renee Elaine Preble (1964) were born there.

The next move was to Durango, Colo. Here Bob's love for the mountains blossomed and flourished. Snowmobiling, skiing, (National Ski Patrol at Purgatory), riding motorcycles, four-wheel jeep rides, hiking, fishing, etc. -- the family enjoyed it all. Rose Marie Lehman (1966) and Robert Ray (1973) joined the family during these happy, adventure days.

The family moved to Longmont, Colo., for one year, then on to Steamboat Springs, Colo., for more of Bob's mountain adventures, always enjoying the great outdoors with his family.

In 1977, the family's last move was to St. Anthony, Idaho. For the next 31 years, Bob continued to work for the NRCS at the Rexburg field office as the Area Engineer, earning awards, recognition and respect for his contribution to conservation projects. Conducting snow surveys on snowmobiles was one of his favorite duties. Bob was a driving force in many significant projects. He willingly shared his experience and expertise with agency staff, conservation partners, and landowners, always going above and beyond his job responsibilities. Bob put in 48 years of work for the NRCS, and was still working full time at the time of his passing.

Enjoying life, while at work or play was Bob's life. He was humble and kind. Bob was a resource to all that knew him. Bob always had time to visit a neighbor, was involved in many community projects, (helped design the St. Anthony Skate Park) active in the St. Anthony Community Presbyterian Church and always met his family and friends' needs. Last year he completed 45 years with the National Ski Patrol, including the last 30 years at Grand Targhee Ski Resort.

After his diagnosis of skin cancer he began multiple treatments of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, only to be found at work or playing the next day.

Bob is survived by his siblings, Anna Marie Owen, Mary Kathryn Todd, John Kenneth Lehman and Steven Ray Lehman; step-sisters, Joy Witt, Betty Deaton and Carol Barber. His five children, as previously mentioned, including son-in-laws, Ben Suttlemyre, Royce Dalley, Ed Preble and daughter-in-law, Brandy Lehman. His 12 grandchildren, Regina Marie (Dalley) Montgomery, Nastassja Winter Magrath, Alyssa Lin Douglass, Thomas Josiah Magrath, Brittany Ann Dalley, Azsha Dove Preble, Alexis Rae Lehman, Jayden Rose Suttlemyre, Kolben Scotland Preble, Jaxon Caleb Suttlemyre, Robert Reeves Lehman and Raeanne Danielle Lehman.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Wilmer Mohler Lehman, step-brothers, Wilmer Eugene Lehman and James Mark Lehman.

Donations can be made to the Robert E. Lehman Memorial Fund set up at the East Idaho Credit Union, St. Anthony, Idaho.

A celebration of life will be conducted Monday, May 19, 2008m at 1 p.m. in the Community Church Presbyterian in St. Anthony with Pastor Jonathan Mitchell, officiating.

Viewing for family and friends will be conducted Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at the Bidwell Funeral Home and at the funeral home again Monday from 12 noon until 12:45 prior to going to the church for services.