Robert Birdsall Benjamin passed away Feb. 23, 2010. He was born Dec. 4, 1936, to Joe and Julia Benjamin in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Bob, as he liked to be called, as well as Benjie, was active in sports throughout his high school years. Bob graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1954. He attended the University of Idaho where he received a degree in business. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the Army where he spent time in Korea. Upon release from the Army, he started his career working for Phillips Petroleum Co. at the nuclear site. While working in Idaho Falls, he met his first wife, Cheryl Burtenshaw. They were blessed with two children by adoption, Natalie (Barry) Black and Joe (Stephanie) Benjamin. The kids blessed them with three grandchildren, Alex Black, Zach Black and Rhiannon. Cheryl and Bob divorced.
Bob later changed careers and went into real estate and moved to Sun Valley, Idaho, where he sold real estate for the Sun Valley Co. While Bob was employed at Sun Valley, Bill Janss asked him to go to Whitefish, Mont., and try to resurrect a condominium project call Ptarmigian. After successfully bringing it out of foreclosure, he sold all the units. He then went to work for the Big Mountain ski area as a sales manager.
He later returned to Sun Valley, where he met the love of his life, Mary Wicker. They were married at their summer homes on Henry's Lake. They were married for over 22 years. Mary had two children, Tony (Shelly) Wicker and Lisa (Richard) Stanion. They were blessed with four more grandchildren, Calli belonging to Tony, and Chris, Talon and Robert, belonging to Lisa.
Bob then went to work for Sawtooth Title as an escrow officer, and later he went to work for First American Title as an escrow officer and accommodator for 1031 exchanges. Upon retirement, Bob became a volunteer for the Garden City Police Department and was a member of the Garden City/Eagle Rotary Club. Bob and Mary enjoyed their summers at Henry's Lake with their Labradors, Buckwheat, Hershey, Snowflake, Tara and little Grizzy, the alpha dog. Bob enjoyed going to North Dakota in the fall with his dogs to hunt pheasant, and of course fishing on Henry's Lake. Bob left behind his two 4-month-old pug puppies, Rocky and Rosie.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Julia; his father, Joe; and his two brothers, Bill and Ben.
Bob's wishes were to have his ashes spread at Henry's Lake. A private family service will be held at a later date. We want to thank Hearts for Hospice for all their loving care. To share memories with the family, please visit Robert's memorial Web site at www.CloverdaleFuneralHome.com.
