Robert Parks Chenault

Robert P. Chenault, 84, of Sandpoint, died Friday, September 11, 2009 at Bonner General Hospital. Bob was born October 7, 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana the son of Hobert and Emeroy Chenault. During his formative years he lived in various locations, moving 18 times by the time of his graduation from high school. He enrolled at the University of Indiana but World War II erupted and he enlisted in the Air Force. During the war he flew P-38s, and at the time of his discharge had achieved the rank of Major. After the war he moved to Hollywood and began a career in television and film. He started in the studios and worked his way up “through the ranks”, ultimately serving as a producer/director. He won 2 Emmy awards while at ABC, the first for an after school special entitled, “My Mom’s having a Baby,” and the second for the best T.V. series, ABC Weekend Specials. He later worked at Columbia Studios as a producer/director for various mini-series filmed in Europe. Robert married Cynthia Robichaux Leonetti in Las Vegas, NV in 1983. An adventurous couple, they lived for many years on a 65’ sailboat in San Pedro harbor and enjoyed escaping every weekend to the Channel Islands. They later lived in Palm Desert at the Lakes Country Club where he was club golf champion. In 1995 they moved to Sandpoint, where Bob designed and built the log home of their dreams, where they have since resided. Bob was a naturally gifted, smart and ambitious man who led a rich abundant life. At the center of his life was his marriage. He wrote and directed many of his projects with his wife Cindy. He was a painter, a sculptor, a ham operator, a gifted craftsman of fine furniture, a voracious reader driven to learn everything he could. He was a true Renaissance man. He always tried to give back to the community wherever he lived. He was concerned with enriching children’s lives as demonstrated by some of his television work, supported the efforts of the Community Assistance League of Sandpoint. He spearheaded the STOP Tax Initiative (Sensible Taxation of Property) in Idaho. Bob was a member of the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America and the Producers Guild. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Chenault, daughter Collette Holden, step-daughter, Kimberly Beck Clark, step son Jason Clark and grandchildren Miles and Dylan Clark of Pacific Palisades, California and granddaughter Maxine Holden, niece Crystal Shaw of Phoenix, AZ, and nephew Ritchie Kremer of Pasadena, CA. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister. Private family memorial services will be conducted at a later time. Kundalini Farewell Prayer May the long time sun, Shine upon you All love surrounds you And the pure light Within you Guide your way on