Robert W. Absher

1947 - 2015

Robert William Absher, age 67, passed while sleep-watching television on Feb. 2, 2015. Bob had won many battles with cancer for over a decade, but cancer claimed its victim and ended the lengthy war. In spite of cancer's attempts to rob him of his life, he was busy as a substitute teacher at the time of his death. Previously he had enjoyed a variety of careers from highway maintenance in areas like Paxson, Alaska, transporting heavy equipment through Thompson Pass, Alaska, training others to operate heavy equipment in Missoula, Mont., teaching on Crow and Cheyenne reservations in Montana, and teaching and running schools in the Alaska bush in Takotna and the Lake and Penn District. Bob loved passing his knowledge along to others, whether the topic was car or home maintenance and repair, mastery of trivia, competitive Jeopardy watching, math, Shakespeare or how to help and care for others. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John Harold Absher and Rose Mary Thomas-Absher; and his beloved wife of 44 years, Carole Virginia Absher. Carole was also a victim of cancer who died too young. Bob is survived by his children: Laura Absher Nishek and her husband, Doug of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Carole Absher Ecord of Helena, Mont., Diana Absher of Glennallen, Alaska, and John Absher and his wife, Kyla of Barrhead, Alberta, Canada. His grandchildren will miss him dearly including, Hannah and Heath Nishek, Andrew Absher, Christopher Thomas and, the newest grandson, Jesse William Francis Absher, who was born in December 2014. Bob's extended family stretches from Alaska to Florida. When the extended family of his partner and companion of his last few years (Linda Jessie-Jones) is added, those grieving his passing stretch from New York to California, as well. Bob touched all who knew him with a greater trust in their own abilities and a wider smile on their faces. He is greatly missed. The family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, that all who knew him take the time to tell one of his stories that made them laugh and that each of us reach out to share our love with others.