Robert "Bob" Elwood Wooden

Robert E. “Bob” Wooden, age 85. Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, golfer, card sharp, and raconteur, Bob died in the company of loved ones on Christmas Eve. Bob was preceded in death by the love and light of his life, Marilyn K. Wooden, and is survived by his sister Jerilyn (Mike) Barba, his children Rebecca (Gerald), Kimberly (Gary) Hoki, Cheryl (Brent) Piehl, Cynthia, Craig, and Christine Buddrius; his grandchildren Robbie, Ryan, Francie, Alan, Eric, Tiffany, Ashley, Cortney, Carley, Katie and Natalie; and 9 great grandchildren. Bob grew up in Los Angeles, was a choirboy as a boy and a standout gymnast at Washington High School. He left school to join the Navy, serving on the USS Leo during World War II. He attended UCLA, and joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1954. Bob loved being a fireman, and thrilled his children with stories of firefighting, three-story rescues, life at the engine house, and diabolical practical jokes. In 1971, Bob retired from the fire department with the rank of Captain and moved to Sandpoint to raise his family and pursue his dreams of hunting, fishing, and playing golf with Marilyn. He was a member of BPOE #1376 and S.P.O.R.T.S. Bob lived a full life and tried his hand at nearly everything: real estate agent, politician, sheriff's dispatcher, pilot, arson investigator, builder, and gentleman farmer (which succeeded only thanks to the Finneys, LaGraces, Dockins, and Tibbs). He was a relentless competitor, becoming a bridge life master and a golf professional. His face always lit up when he saw his grandchildren, and he loved the companionship of dogs. He will be lovingly remembered and missed very much. Memorial Services will be conducted on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 11:00 am in Coffelt Funeral Service, 109 N Division Ave. Sandpoint. Father Dennis C. Day, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, will be officiating. Memorials to the LA Firemen's Relief Association Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund or the donor's choice. The family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Sandpoint Luther Park Community, and to Dr. Hugh Leedy for his exemplary care.