Finley Robert "Bob" Degen passed peacefully at the age of 86 on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at his home in Emmett, Idaho.
Bob was born April 21, 1928, in Salmon, Idaho, to Lewis and Thelma Degen. At age four, he moved to Emmett to be raised by his Aunt Mary at the house he would forever call home.
Bob grew up attending schools in Emmett until he transferred to a military high school where he achieved most outstanding senior. He went on to graduate from the University of Idaho, class of 1951, where he met the love of his life Emmalyn B. Degen. They married in 1952 and shared 62 amazing years together.
Bob and Em moved to Los Alamitos, Calif., where Bob continued his career with United Airlines for 33 years, before he retired at the age of 52 and returned to the family home in Idaho.
When he wasn't traveling the world with Em, they spent their summers in Island Park at their home on Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Bob had a passion for fishing with family and friends. His annual steelhead fishing trip was particularly important to him where he formed everlasting memories with his closest friends (members of the "Purple Bag Gang") for over 25 years.
One of his best friends Vern used to say, "It doesn't get better than this" while fly-fishing in Alaska for "Silvers." In fact, the last time Bob fished with both Vern and his son Craig was in Alaska, as both passed the following year.
Bob was a very charitable man, and his pride and joy in life was his family. Every baseball game, track meet, football game, or recital his grandchildren Lauren and Robby participated in, he was there. He was their biggest fan, as he truly loved every moment spent with his family.
Bob is survived by his wife Emmalyn B Degen, son Alan and daughter-in-law Kim Degen, his daughter Mary Degen, and his most loved grandchildren, Robert and Lauren Degen.
A viewing will be held one hour prior to the funeral services. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at Potters Funeral Home, Emmett. Burial will follow at the Emmett Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
This friend, Bob, will always be one of the most treasured riches my family has had the great good fortune to have in our lives. Moments spent with Bob and dear Em, whom I so admire, were some our most joyful (and mirthful) "peak experiences". WHAT A GUY! Thank you so much to the Degen family for the beautiful service that was so comforting. It reminded us how lucky we are to have had the pleasure of his company, and that we could simply recall one of countless delightful anecdotes or memories in order to celebrate rather than morn.
Katherine Robinson
August 15, 2014
Bob's gentle smile and delight in life in general melted my heart from the time I was a small girl. He and Em remain close to that heart still and I am aching for your loss. I know they carried the same load of grief for my dad, Vern Gurnsey, that I do now for Bob. I grieve with you at the passing of a truly generous and kind gentle man. My family's thoughts are with you and Mary and Em.
Kris (Kristi) Gurnsey Johnson
August 14, 2014
He was a true dandy! Lov ya man!
John and Jenny May
August 13, 2014
He was such a fun loving man. He always had kind words to say about his friends and family. Men like this only come around once in a lifetime. God Speed Bob, you will be missed my friend!!
Kelly Scott ( Boise, ID)
Kelly Scott
August 13, 2014
Finley will be missed by all who crossed paths.i will miss the jokes he and Alan did on each other.
jimmy cleland
August 13, 2014
Fin was great guy. Though I didn't know him all that well, I enjoyed his company every time our paths crossed. My deepest sympathies to Em, Al, Mary and the rest of the family.
Richard Martin
August 13, 2014
What a guy! Probably the only one to get caught in the belly of an airplane as it started to take off. We had a fantastic 8some...Bob & Em, Joyce & Van, Kitty & Vern and Dottie & Joe. Many a fishing trip, river float, card games, snow-
mobiling, hunting etc etc. And each one made better by this smiling fun guy. Those of us left will sure miss him.
Dottie Robinson
August 13, 2014
Bob was so very loved, and will be forever missed!
Rest in peace my friend...
Steve Humphries
August 13, 2014
We were so very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We have been his neighbors in Island Park for the last 30+ years. We couldn't have asked for better neighbors. It has not been the same without him up in IP this year. We will forever miss his energy, his cute little smile, his friendliness and his watchful eye over his neighbors! We send our thoughts, our prayers and our love at this time.
The Dunn Family
Valerie Dunn
August 13, 2014
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