Robert Vasquez
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Robert Vasquez, of Caldwell, Idaho, who left us on January 17, 2025, at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army at the young age of 17, where he served in the 11th Armored Cavalry during the Vietnam War. He was very proud of his military service and was honored to have served his great country. Robert was also the first in his family to attend and graduate college and that sparked his interest in engaging in politics. He was elected as the Canyon County Commissioner from 2003-2007, where he was known to be extremely outspoken. He often said things for shock value to elicit people to feel something. And boy did they! People either loved him or hated him with very few falling between the two extremes. Always willing to sacrifice for what he believed in; he loved verbally sparring and fighting for his values. Robert enjoyed the opportunity to serve the public and work toward the future he wanted for his children, family, friends, and community.
In his free time, he loved spending time with his children, grandchild, and son-in-law. He enjoyed going to the movies, taking care of his orchid, spending time with friends, and playing poker. In fact, he frequented the theater so often prior to his illness that all the theater staff knew him by name. An avid reader, he was also always looking to expand his knowledge. He cared deeply about his fellow veterans and enjoyed helping them whenever the opportunity arose to do so.
Robert had a great… and unique… sense of humor. Not everyone understood it. But he didn’t care. He got a kick out of getting a rise out of people and was known to say silly things to make people stop and think or to simply see the surprised look on their faces. He was completely at ease knowing others did not always understand his jokes. Sometimes his children had to explain the joke to whoever he was speaking to, which made him laugh even harder. But he was kind and good-hearted. Never one to judge, he was always up for helping others. Robert would do anything for anyone and help anyone who needed it.
To his children he was their fiercest supporter and a dedicated and loving father. His proudest achievements in life were his two children, and it was of the utmost importance to him that they knew how much he loved them. Always encouraging them to be the best version of themselves, he was an excellent example of strength, courage, and kindness.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Regina; son, Justin; son-in-law, Kyle; his granddaughter, Estela; his brothers, Carlos and Ricardo; his sisters, Lilia, Bertha, Cecilia, Linda, Sandi, and Paddy; and many nieces and nephews.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. in Garden City, with visitation beginning at 5:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 807 N. 8th St. in Boise. A committal with military honors will follow at 1:00 pm, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Boise.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.