WSU COUGARS LOST THEIR BIGGEST FAN TODAY

It is with great sadness to announce that Robert D. Jones "Iditarod Bob" has passed away on December 16, 2022 at the age of 83 years young. He was at home surrounded by his loving family, who will continue his legacy by living their lives as adventurous as he did.

Bob was born in Dayton, WA on June 16,1939 to Dean and Bernice Jones. The Family moved to Colville WA where Bob enjoyed growing up with his many lifetime friends, sports and the great outdoors. He graduated Colville High School in 1957.

He married Susan Tedrow (deceased) in 1957 and had 2 children Richard and Kimberley then moved to Pullman where he graduated from WSU with a B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology in 1966. He then moved his family to Spokane WA where he met and married his lifetime love Claudia and had two beautiful girls Megan McCall & Lacey Rae. He had a longtime career with the Great Northern RR, The Alaska RR, and the Northern Pacific RR for over 22 years.

Bob was a business owner for over 40 years with Panorama Video, Jones Mini-Storage and CPC Building Supply in Kettle Falls WA. He was a lifetime Steward and Forester with his other business 'Land Beautification and Fire Reduction". He loved being in the woods and his land always looked like a park! He built many beautiful homes and winding roads that we all still enjoy driving down today, including his most cherished piece of land "I Beach" on the Kettle River where he allowed all to use and enjoy!

His zest for adventure, hunting, photography, writing and traveling took him to Alaska over 120 amazing trips, 17 times snow machining 'The Iditarod Trail" taking many beautiful pictures and writing many stories we all enjoyed. He was featured in magazines and newspapers and had many followers that enjoyed reading his adventures!

He was a Lifetime member of The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation since its inception and enjoyed being an official measurer in the Boone Crockett Record Book. He was an accomplished Big Game Hunter and has 20+ World Record Awards listed himself for his trophy hunts. He was also an avid environmentalist and gave to many other organizations. Sierra Club, Greenpeace, NAR, & Friends of Yellowstone and invested in solar power & electric autos.

Bob was a true mountain man, he was strong, he loved his family & music, he was witty, funny, generous, a great story teller, ornery, courageous, adventurous, hardworking, extremely intelligent and wise. Bob knew how to work hard but play harder! He loved to travel in his RV camper to Crazy Horse, Yellowstone & Cody WY just to name a few of his favorite journeys. He is a true Legend! We will all miss him and cherish our time we spent with him and all our fond memories.

Bob was also "Santa Claus" at Christmas time where he enjoyed spending time giving to his family and sharing wonderful meals and his community as "The Secret Santa".

Bob's favorite poem was by Breaker Morant we hope you enjoy it as much as we all did listening to him recite it by the campfire or his Lazyboy!

Oh those rides across the river,

but a shallow stream runs wide,

and a sunset's beams were glossing

strips of sand on either side

We would cross that sparkling river,

On a brown horse and a bay:

watch the willows sway and shiver

and the trembling shadows play.

These are the memories to be hoarded

of a foolish tale and fond,

'Til another creek be forded

and we reach the Great Beyond.

Robert D. Jones is survived by his loving wife and business partner Claudia R. Jones of 51 years. Daughter Kimberley Jones and Grandson Adam Fleury of Twin Lakes, WA

Daughter Megan and Granddaughter Evi Rain of Spokane. Daughter Lacey and Son-in-law Shane Lindsly and Granddaughter June Dean of Spokane. Daughter-in-law Pahleah Jones of Wasilla and Grandchildren Ryan, Alisha (Jake), Crystal and Mitch of Alaska. 7 Great Grandchildren Amberleah, Jona, Conrad, Khloe, Aileigh, Owen and Penny all of Alaska. Cousin Janet Watson of Vienna, Virginia.

He was Preceded in death by his parents Dean and Bernice Jones and his beloved Son and favorite hunting partner Richard "Dick" Jones.

He was blessed to have so many longtime friends and we want to thank them all for their friendship, laughter & love over the many years.

We look forward in celebrating our Daddy-O, "Iditarod Bob" and Grandpa with all of you in the Spring! We will make sure to announce it and all are welcome to come and laugh and share fun memories. Condolences may be mailed to: P.O. Box 560 Kettle Falls, WA 99141