Robert Earl Gallivan

Born August 15, 1951 - died September 22, 2015. But, oh, what a head-long dash through life between those two dates! Little did they realize when they welcomed their son, Robert Earl (Bob) into their lives, Leonard and Dorothy Gallivan started on a lifetime of anticipation (or apprehension, as the occasion warranted), with their middle child. In all, this little Gallivan family also included Bob's big brother, Dave, and little sister, Karen (Holmquist). Born in Nampa, Idaho, Bob was raised (for the most part) in Elgin and La Grande, Oregon. Shortly after returning to Nampa, at age 17, Bob announced that he was joining the Marines, and hoped to serve in Vietnam. He did both. He was confident that this would be the beginning of a lifetime of adventure, and it was. The communications training he received in the Marine Corps set the foundation for his future employment with (and eventual retirement from) "the telephone company" (AT&T, Mountain Bell, USWest, and QWest). Bob made many life-long friends during his time there, including his best friend Joe Villareal, with whom he would later begin a business, Aires, LLC. Upon returning from Vietnam, in November of 1971, we met and were married the next fall, October 9, 1972. Shortly before our wedding, Bob's mother took me aside and told me: "Sweetheart, I can't say that life is ever going to be easy, but I can promise you it will never be dull!" She was right. Bob painted our world in vivid color! Our 43rd anniversary is next week. Bob and I welcomed (and he is survived by) our two sons, Christopher (wife Cheri, and granddaughter Naomi), and Ryan (wife Laura, and grandson "Drew"). He was enormously proud of them all, and loved them passionately. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. In addition to his brother, Dave (Jann), and sister, Karen (Jim), he leaves many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins - each one dearly loved but too numerous to mention. He will also be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters in-law Danny and Frances Allen, and Sandi and Tony Albritton. Bob became a follower of Jesus at a young age, and served Him faithfully in the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, in Caldwell, where his son Ryan is now the Pastor. He loved his little church family so much, and his lessons and insight will be missed. Bob was dyslexic, and viewed the world in a unique way. He saw no obstacles, but only challenges (he loved a good challenge) and vistas full of opportunity! A man of quick wit, his default expression was always a grin (which sometimes got him into trouble). I was with him, and he was smiling as he entered this next phase of his life - I can only imagine what he was seeing! Memorial Services will held be held at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, 624 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, Idaho, on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. A private Graveside Service for the family will follow at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to www.Flahifffuneralchapel.com. With all my heart, for all my life, I will love him. Shari Service Information