Robert Gresham

Robert “Bob” Bruce Gresham –

The man. The myth. The legend.

     Bob left this earth and “flew to the moon” on December 16th, 2018. Born in Tennessee on December 28th, 1939; he was often found searching kitchens for banana pudding, grits, Jelly Bellys, Diet Coke, Little Debbie snacks, and fried green tomatoes. He created a family favorite, the “green olive deviled egg” that makes his family judge all other deviled eggs harshly. They are on every holiday table and always will be. May his family do them justice.

      His other loves included sunbathing, children, animals, fishing in Montana, politics, pretty ladies, vintage movie posters, memorabilia, movies, the San Francisco 49ers. Not necessarily in that order.

     Bob hated seeing anyone or anything struggling, in pain, or in need. It hurt his heart and he was always the first to jump in and help to provide open arms of relief. His laugh was loud and jolly, there were no strangers in his eyes.

      Bob was a master of gardens, grass, and trees. He was happiest when they were blooming around him. When the sun shined, you could usually find him sitting in the sunshine; shirtless of course!  

     When it came to his profession, Bob was one of the best barbers in the business. After starting his first successful shop in Hemet, California; he moved to Lone Pine, California. Nearby locals informed the Bishop, California shop that there was a barber living nearby. They sought him out and Bob was established there for many years running a 3man barber shop. In 1994, Bob and wife Cheryl moved to Idaho to raise their children. He supported them by his long-standing barber shop on Main Street in Kimberly, Idaho.

     Johnny Cash was one of Bob’s heroes, as Bob was the hero for his six children: Bob, Cherrie, Tricia, Kerry, Chris, and Megan. Bob had many grandchildren, among them he adopted or raised many of them as his own: Joanna, Bobbi, Alyssia, Mckenzie, Briar-Rose, Noah, Alazae, Roman, Natalie, Cassie, Aaron, Brandi, Lawrence, Allison, Elijah, Brennan, and Sean. Bob did not stop there and served to numerous children as a great grandfather and was known to all as “Papa”.

     Bob had many adventures, many of them shared with his two brothers Rick and Lou Gresham. He served in the Navy for a short time, his accomplishments mostly included chasing the ladies and working in the mess hall. Bob was anti-gun and let everyone know it. Watching football on Sundays was his most favorite pastime, you could often hear him yelling or scoffing at the refs. He attended the Church of Christ for many years and was a follower of Jesus. On weekends he could also be found tending to his lawn meticulously or sunbathing. He was known for his ways with children and would often be found with a baby in his arms, rocking them gently while singing Hush Little Baby. He loved to read and read every James Patterson book written. Scrabble was his favorite game, many know he was a better winner than a loser. Animals were always in his home, from birds to a pet raccoon. Jokes were lightly made of him answering things that he thought he heard, but had no link to the conversation, example: “Rebecca?!” “The Vatican?!”. Bob was a vocal man. Always ready for a debate, some may not always leave a discussion with a handshake, but he always left them with an impression.

     Bob adored the ladies and they adored him, his bright blue eyes were always topic of conversation. He liked to play sweet and sassy with all new ladies he encountered. He got married when he was young, but it did not last. Bob was no quitter, so he gave it a shot two more times and in 1976 he met his soulmate Cheryl. Third time is a charm! They met while working at a hospital, she was wooed by his charm. Cheryl was his ultimate love and their marriage lasted almost 40 years. They fished, they camped, they gambled, they stalked Johnny Cash at concerts (even hanging out with Johnny and June in their private rooms and catching them in elevators!), making memories, and making friends.

     Bob was killed when he rushed into a burning orphanage to save a group of adorable children. Or maybe not? We all know how he liked to tell stories. He was known for always saying a kind word, but leading minutes after with a constructive piece of information and raised eyebrows, “but…you could lose a few more pounds”. He was a loving, kind and generous man and will be remembered as such by all that were blessed to know him.

      A special thanks to the Encompass Hospice team that cared for him in his last days and brought him many smiles.