Obituary of Robert Petersen

Robert Joseph Petersen ('Bob,' 'Papa Bob,' 'Floppachocho' 'Ribs') was born March 19, 1939 in Evanston, Illinois to June Hoene Petersen and Arthur E. Petersen, the third of six wonderful children. He died April 28, 2014 surrounded by the love of his children and closest friends. Bob graduated from Xavier University with a BA in English. Bob and Mary Morrison were married in 1961 and blessed with four children: Sarah Jane (Mike McCann), Susan Mary (Brendan Sullivan), Nicholas John (Amanda) and Benjamin Joseph (Michelle). The family moved from Chicago to Boise in 1967 where Bob started his career as an agent with Northwestern Mutual Life. Due to his love of athletics, he helped found the Valley's men's slow pitch softball league. Who can forget the many memorable battles between the Sacred Heart and Grasmick Produce teams? Due to their involvement in the Catholic Community, he and Mary helped establish CFM (Christian Family Movement) and the Search program throughout Idaho. Bob's love of sports and passion for fitness led to his opening of The Court House racquetball and fitness center, the largest health club in the country at that time. He was a founding member of IRSA (International Racquet Sports Association) and one of its first Presidents. After his retirement, Bob opened Little Baja, importing Mexican pottery and chimineas which incorporated his passion for gardening. Bob's biggest heartbreak was when his son Nick died in 2008. Looking back on his own life, knowing time was short, Bob was most proud of his children and grandchildren: Cydney, Charlie, Mac, Harry, Maggie, Jessie, Rose, Gabe and Shaw. Bob was prone to hyperbole in his storytelling, and his stories were a gift that will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful bear of a man with a big heart. If you were his friend you were his lifelong friend to whom he was loyal, present and giving, with a few arguments thrown in! To Bob, every day was a good day, especially a day that involved golf, hunting, fishing or the outdoors. He was a diehard fan of the Boise State Broncos, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Cubs. If you were a member of "The Board" you would be found at his house on Friday evenings for cocktails and tall tales. In recent years, as Bob's health declined, his children are most grateful for the incredible kindness of his many generous friends who surrounded him with support and love (you know who you are). Through adventures in Sugar Lake, MN, Lake Powell and Hell's Canyon, Bob taught us a great love for the wilderness and the outdoors. Our most cherished gift was his example of how to make and keep good friends, as well as self-discipline, generosity, how to enjoy life in many different ways.....and how to throw a kick-ass party! A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Summers Funeral Home, Ustick Chapel, 3629 E. Ustick Road, Meridian. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cystic Fibrosis Research, in memory of Heather Marie Bech, 2701 NW Vaughn St. #203, Portland, OR, 97210. We're all better for having known you, Bob. Memories and condolences may be shared with Bob's family on his webpage at www.summersfuneral.com