Robert R. Auth

Robert R. "Bob" Auth Oct. 27, 1926 - May 12, 2011 Robert R. "Bob" Auth passed away Thursday, May 12, 2011 from complications of ALS. He was born in Bloomington, Illinois on October 27, 1926. At 17 he left school to join the United States Navy, where he served aboard destroyers during WW II. He was awarded three medals, a combat action award, and a cold war service award. After an honorable discharge, he resumed his education at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he studied painting, art history, etching, engraving, and education. In 1950, Bob married Norma J. Hill of Bloomington, Illinois. In 1952, Bob was elected into the Delta Phi Delta National Art Fraternity. He received the Roland Scholarship Best of Show for etching and engraving in 1952. In 1953 he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. In 1955, Bob and his cousin visited Idaho on a hunting trip. Impressed by their experiences in the Salmon River country, they returned again, this time bringing a childhood friend. All three would eventually move to Boise in 1959. Tragically, Bob's cousin and friend met with early deaths. In 1960, Bob and his family moved to Burley, Idaho where Bob taught art. A year later, he returned to Boise where he became a teacher at East Junior High School. He remained there from 1961 to 1967. During this time, Bob resumed his education at Washington State University, earning a Master of Fine Arts Degree in 1963. In 1967, Bob transferred to Boise High School where he was a teacher of Arts and Humanities until 1981. Following a divorce in 1976, Bob was granted a sabbatical leave to pursue a Doctorate at the University of Idaho. In 1977, Bob met Alice Trotchie of Butte, Montana. They married in 1979. Alice was a member of the Cree Chippewa Little Shell Band of the Turtle Mountain Agency, and inspired many of Bob's Native American projects. As part of his graduate studies, Bob studied print and paper making at the Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1981, Bob became the Art Supervisor for the Boise School District until he retired in 1987. In addition to his teaching assignments for Boise Schools, Bob also taught at Albertson's College of Idaho, Boise State University, and the Boise Gallery of Art. Bob served on numerous Boards of Directors and was involved in many facets of community service. He served on the Executive Board of Directors for the Boise Education Association from 1969 to 1971. Other Board positions included the Boise Gallery of Art, from 1968 to 1974, the Idaho Alliance for the Arts in Education, from 1982 to 1986, and the Boise City Arts Commission from 1984 to 1988. He also served as Chairman of Art Curriculum Development for the Boise School District, Community Advisor to the Junior League, and Chair of the Committee to Develop Idaho State Humanities Curriculum Guide for Secondary Schools in 1985. During his lifetime, Bob received many honors and awards, including: numerous commendations from the Mayor's and Governor's offices for working with handicapped programs; First Idaho Invitational Traveling Exhibit; Rick's College Purchase Award; Artist of the Year for Outstanding Contribution to Art in the Community; National Arts Education Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of Education; Governor of Idaho Award for Excellence in the Arts; and The Idaho Statesman Distinguished Citizen. Bob also received the Phi Delta Kappa's Annual Friend of Education Award, the Idaho Historical Society Honorary Curator of Military History, and the Ee-Da-How-Long Rifles, Inc. Outstanding Service Award. In 1983, Bob's work was selected for the Smithsonian Institute's exhibit, Sawtooths and Other Ranges of the Imagination, showcasing Idaho artists. His work was also included in the Smithsonian Institute's Postal Museum Exhibit's permanent collection. Bob's work is included in various collections: Illinois Wesleyan University, Washington State University, Idaho State University, and the Salt Lake Art Center are among them. Other collections include those of H. J. Heinz III, Boise Cascade Corporation, College of Southern Idaho, BYU Idaho, Boise Gallery of Art, Boise City Duane Beeson Municipal Airport, Boise City Railroad Depot, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of the Interior Big Hole National Battlefield. Upon retirement, Bob decided to revisit the Salmon River Country he had enjoyed so much. Purchasing land in Yellow Pine, Idaho, Bob and the son of a childhood friend, built his first log home, in town. He later built another on the Salmon River. During that time, Bob spent many happy moments, watching the elk, fox, bear, and birds that visited his yard. He also continued to produce his art and become a strong force in the Yellow Pine Community. Along with other dedicated citizens, Bob created and helped erect a monument dedicated to veterans from the Yellow Pine Basin. He also designed T shirts for the Annual Yellow Pine Harmonica Fest, which helped raise funds for the town. Bob's time in Yellow Pine provided opportunities for reflection and research, and he began work on his biography, Francie's Camera, which is due for publication in the summer. Bob is survived by his wife, Alice, and three daughters, Chris Niebrand (Gary), Connie Auth, and Cindy Schreiner (John), all of Boise. He also leaves a brother, Phil Auth of Twin Falls, a sister, Eileen Farrer of Bakersfield, California, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Bob had many great joys in his life. He loved his family, his many friends, his log home in Yellow Pine, on the Salmon River, his years as a teacher of children, and creating art. He took great pride in his military service, and loved his country. He always said, "I love people." Although ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) left him unable to paint or draw, he remained enthusiastic about his biography and his visits with friends and family. The family would like to thank and acknowledge the staff of the Life Care Center of Boise for their professionalism and support. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations be made to one's favorite charity, in Bob's name. A viewing will be held Monday, May 16, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 5525 N. Glenwood St., Garden City. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, May 17th at St. John's Cathedral and committal and military honors will follow at 1:00 pm at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, at the VFW Post, 3308 W. Chinden Blvd, Garden City .