Robert "Bob" Franklin DeBord

Robert "Bob" Franklin DeBord, 84, passed away December 26th, 2017. Born July 1, 1933, in a single-level home (half underground, half above) in Fruitland, Idaho, Bob was about the best you could ask for in a human being. He was kind, honorable, hardworking, giving, and loyal. He had a sparkle in his eye and ready smile to pass around - especially if it came with a bit of wit, a good story, and a wink or two. Bob was the youngest of three boys, however their family lost his middle brother, Jimmy when Bob was just a toddler. Bob spent his early years on the Fretwell family farm south of Fruitland. He and his older brother, Don, along with their mother's baby brother, Stan Fretwell, made the farm their playground and they were sure to cause a little trouble whenever they could. In 1937 the family moved to Payette where Bob's father was building a house. While they waited for the home to be completed the family of 4 lived in the already-completed garage. With just one bed in the home Bob's dad was fond of telling the boys that after they fell asleep in the bed, they'd get hung on hooks on the wall for the rest of the evening. Bob's mother and father ran DeBord Construction in Payette for many years and helped grow Payette, building by building. From houses to churches to bank buildings and factories, the family business touched every corner of the county and beyond. At Payette High School Bob focused his efforts on sports and charming just about anyone who crossed his path. He was proud to have played baseball with the likes of Harmon Killebrew and Denny Barber - both who played professional ball. Those associations turned into lifetime friendships that always nurtured him. Bob parlayed his membership in the High School ROTC to a stint in the Army where he proudly served his country at bases in California, Colorado and Germany. Bob made the most of his time in Europe and skied some of the great slopes such as the site of the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, and Garmish-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany. Upon his return he headed north to the University of Idaho where from day one to his last day he was a Vandal through and through. He made more friendships at Kappa Sigma fraternity that spanned and enriched his life. After leaving the University of Idaho Bob landed in Boise where he took up piloting lessons and worked for the company that one day would become the Bon Marche. In the fall of 1958 Bob's childhood pal and uncle, Stan, and his wife, Jackie Jo, took it upon themselves to introduce Bob's roommate and cousin, Alan Amsberry, to a lovely young Boise teacher (new to Boise but a native of Nampa) by the name of Anne Keim. As a part of the mix, they introduced Bob to Anne's roommate. But somewhere in the mix, a little magic and some nature took over. Bob stopped by one evening to see about going to the movies with Anne's roommate, but she wasn't home. Alan and Anne hadn't sparked, so when Bob found out the roommate wasn't home, he asked Anne if she would like to go. You know of course, that she said "sure" and an adventure was born. Six weeks later they were engaged and six months after that they were married. From there it was on to a little duplex in Boise's North End near Hyde Park. This past July 16th, 2017 they celebrated 58 years as husband and wife. Life in Boise kept them busy. They had an active social life, were members of the Cathedral of the Rockies, and skied Bogus Basin in its early days. Bob and Anne soon expanded the family with a son, Chris, in 1962. A few years later, they were presented with an opportunity they couldn't pass up and they relocated to Payette where they became partners in the local Barger-Mattson Auto Salvage dealership. A few months later, another son, Eric, arrived. It was 1966. Anne resumed her teaching career and Bob dedicated himself to managing the growing business. They served the community of the Payette First United Methodist Church (which was built by DeBord Construction) in many leadership positions. Both worked hard to build a home and rear their sons. Bob was an avid gardener. Over 30 years at their first Payette home, Bob landscaped, gardened, and landscaped some more. Bob's vegetable garden was fruitful to say the least and neighbors and friends could always count on some shared bounty. Bob loved golfing and skiing and was instrumental in the development of Scotch Pines Golf Course in Payette and was an early season pass holder at Brundgage Mountain in McCall. Bob was a member of the Ontario Elks #1690 for 50 years. He and Anne spent many weekends at the family cabin on the lake in McCall teaching their boys to ski, fish, golf, pick huckleberries, and cut wood! Once their boys made their way north to the University of Idaho, Bob and Anne redoubled their Vandal Spirits and remained season ticket holders for Vandal Football games many years after their boys were graduated. In anticipation of their golden years they built their golf cottage on the course in McCall in the early 1990's, doing much of the work themselves. It was here that they spent their summers for the last 20+ years hosting friends and family and making the most of every day. Bob's life with two sons was full, but he was thrilled to welcome, and loved dearly, his sweet daughter-in-law Fafa, of whom he was so immensely proud. A grandson and granddaughter rounded out the tribe and Bob could not have loved them more. They were his pride and joy in every way. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 58 + years, Anne, his son Chris DeBord of Boston, son and daughter-in-law, Eric DeBord and Fafa Alidjani of Boise, grandson Kian DeBord and granddaughter Ayla DeBord, both of Boise, brother-in-laws Don (Ann) Keim and Ken (Priscilla) Keim, sister-in-law Mary DeBord, along with numerous special nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald "Gerry" DeBord and Mary Fretwell DeBord, his two brothers Don DeBord and Jimmy Ransom, sister-in-laws Vera Keim, Wilma DeBord, and Miriam (Ellis) Albright. The family thanks the good people at Treasure Valley Hospice and Royal Villa of Payette for working their magic with Mr. Bob during the last weeks of his life. A Celebration of Life will be planned for this coming spring in Payette with a summer celebration to follow in McCall. To honor Bob's life and his Vandal Spirit, the family suggests donations be made to the University of Idaho Foundation for the Bob DeBord Memorial Scholarship; University of Idaho Foundation, Inc. 875 Perimeter Dr MS 3143, Moscow, ID 83844-3143