Robert Vernon DeShazo

The sun shines much dimmer these days as we mourn the passing of a good man, fine gentleman, and a loving soul. We sadly say goodbye to Robert Vernon DeShazo, Jr. of Eagle. He was 85 and squeezed a ton of adventures and accomplishments into those swiftly moving decades.

Robert (Bob) was born October 19, 1940, at army Base Fort Lewis, Washington, to Army Air Force Officer, Robert Verno DeShazo, Sr. and Elizabeth White DeShazo, and immediately became an official member of the “military brat” club! It was never easy being the “new kid” in school and constantly having to stick up for yourself as you moved from base to base.

No kids of 8 years old can say that they sat next to the famous Charles Lindbergh at dinner in their family’s Quonset hut home on the island of Guam, where Robert’s father was stationed, nor that he was able to scare away from the window with his trusty water pistol a fugitive Japanese soldier hiding out in the jungle, and also that with his fellow “friends-in-crime” had a large cool “stash” of World War II “treasures” (live had grenades, swords, knives, etc.) found in the jungle and stashed under his bed, , later found by his mom who quickly called the AP’s to haul it away!!

His early years were spent surrounded by loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. His Alabama grandfather taught him to fish and his Crestview, California grandfather gave him his first tool belt and taught him construction “stuff.” He had his grandpa White on quite a high pedestal!! Upon returning from Guam, the family lived in Virginia while his father was stationed at the Pentagon. While there he had his paper route in the pre-dawn hours, and a favorite perc of his was visiting D.C with his family.

In 1956, he and his grandmother Whitte (“Gamma”) took a road trip from Omaha, Nebraska to his Dad’s new base as Commander at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. It was there that Bob met most of his life-long friends, graduating from high school in 1958. He kept busy with sports, part-time jobs and charming a certain cheerleader named Toni!! After graduation he attended Idaho State College in Pocatello and then transferred to Boise Jr. College. Soon Uncle Sam needed him, and he was drafted into the Army spending the next 4 years in both regular and reserve service.

After the Army, bob lived in Newport Beach, California, actively building homes, captaining the crew of his abalone-driving crew from his boat the “Otter”, and drinking an occasional beer with John Wayne! Never a dull moment with Bob! Later, in the 70’s, Bob relocated to Idaho to assist his Dad on his ranch, but his heart and passion was still building. He moved to Eagle, a tiny village of 200+ residents, and started Eagle Water Company bringing much needed fresh, pure water to everyone, and did so for the next 50+ years. He built homes and businesses in Eagle and all over the Treasure Valley. He brought that distinctive California Ranch Style up north and loved to go on “house-spotting” drives to point out DeShazo gems! “There’s one and, oh, there’s another!!”

Robert was very busy and active in Lions Club, Home Builders Association, Eagle Fun Days and Golf Tournaments. He was President of the Home Builders Association and regularly traveled to D.C. to lobby on behalf of his fellow builders in Idaho and the rest of the country. His gifts and accomplishments for his beloved Eagle are just too numerous to list. And in the annual Parade of Homes, his models usually took first place, of which he was so very proud!

Bob enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, going to Jackpot, Nevada, (he loved El Caminos!!) watching the Reno Air Races, visiting the Warhawk Museum in Nampa, hanging out with his buddies at the Double Eagle and the Bank Club (now DaVinci’s), having lunch at Lindy’s, making beautiful high-quality furniture, reading, watching BSU football, camping by a river, romping with his dogs, auctions, playing poker, watching Blue Bloods on TV, eating at Rice or Casa Mexico, and sipping on a cold Ultra Lite beer or a glass of Merlot! Did I mention he was crazy about El Camino’s?

He was a gentle giant, a true friend who never met a stranger. He helped so many and sometimes they never even know it. He was a man of honor, truth, and loyalty and possessed extreme love for his God and his country.

Robert is survived by his wife, Toni, his siblings Richard, Tom, Jeanne, Marianne, Elizabeth, and their spouses, his many beloved nieces and nephews, and his 15-month-old great grandson-in-law who thinks his grandpa is someone pretty special!! Gob was “Grandpa” to the little guys’ parents for sure.

He was predeceased by his parents, Col. (ret) Robert V. DeShazo, Sr., and the beautiful Elizabeth White DeShazo, his grandparents, his many uncles, aunts, and cousins, his brother James, and a very special nephew, Seth.

If you were lucky enough to know and love Robert, you were truly blessed indeed. He brightened our days and put smiles on our faces. You will be profoundly missed dear heart. God speed on your journey to Heaven. No more pain, my love. Our prayers are with you, and may you rest in peace and comfort in the arms of our Lord. Until we meet again…