Robert B. Cliff

Robert B. Cliff, 78

Robert Bruce Cliff, a beloved brother, father, friend and dedicated member of the Coeur d'Alene community, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 2, 2025. Robert was born May 5, 1947, in South Bend, Ind., to Robert and Edith Cliff, along with one brother, Bert, who all preceded him in death.

Robert attended Niskayuna High School in Schenectady, where he lettered in football and track. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and lettered in track for the Battling Bishops. While in college, Robert met and married Sandra Everett, with the relationship later ending in divorce. OWU was also where Robert met his best friend, James Brien, who honored him by naming him Godfather to his daughter, Whitney. "Uncle Baba" cherished his role as godfather to Whitney and blessed her marriage to Matt Hunter in 2023.

After college, Robert pursued a career in commercial insurance, first with Prudential and later with Foster Higgins. That executive-level career took him to New York City, then to Delaware, Minnesota, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Robert embraced the lavish lifestyle of a corporate account executive and was well respected nationwide in the insurance industry.

While in Los Angeles, Robert enjoyed beach house living in Manhattan Beach and the friendly patrons of Hercules Tavern. In a fit of athletic zeal, Robert pursued the sport of Triathlon and competed in 26 races, completing them all (while smoking two packs of Camels per day and drinking copious amounts of vodka in his non-training time). It was in Los Angeles that Robert met and married Susan Barker and became a stepfather to Susan's son, Brey.

After he retired from the corporate world in 1999, Robert stayed active in the Manhattan Beach community as a video movie store owner, which also helped satisfy his interest as an avid movie buff. Susan's retirement from the Airline industry prompted the decision to leave the glitz of California for the beauty of Sanders Beach in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 2004. Robert quickly adapted to north Idaho living, and he was as comfortable mowing his lawn in monogrammed dress shirts and sockless loafers as he was relaxing with a cocktail at the neighborhood Corner Bar in Midtown. Robert also took pleasure in supporting the local art community, securing numerous paintings and sculptures from local artists.

Robert truly enjoyed being a part of the Coeur d'Alene community and his lakefront home was frequently the central host location for the annual Polar Bear Plunge and festivities. Robert was active in the Rotary Club, Kootenai County Humane Society fundraisers, and the North Idaho College Booster Club. He regularly volunteered to cook on the grill at the NIC 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and to serve beverages at the NIC beer garden at the County fair. Robert loved sharing his views on local and national politics, and regardless of your position, the conversations and local newspaper editorials were usually memorable.

Life was difficult for Robert after Susan's passing in 2021, but he found comfort in his loyal family labradoodles, Dani and Riley. Robert leaves behind his stepson, Brey, and his wife, Lindsey; his sister-in-law, Sharon Hill, and her children, Jeremy Brunk and Sarah Byrd; and a host of loving friends in the Coeur d'Alene area and nationwide. Robert's engaging personality, quick wit and enthusiasm for meeting people gained him many enduring friendships over his full life.

Plans for a celebration of life are still pending. Donations in Robert's memory should be made to the Kootenai County Humane Society or a charity of your choosing in his name.