Robert V. "Bob" Pence

1924 - 2018

Robert V. "Bob" Pence
April 10, 1924 - March 3, 2018
Robert V. Pence passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at his home in Boise. He was under the care of his wife of over 70 years, the very loving caregivers at Willow Park Assisted Living, and St. Alphonsus Home Health and Hospice. He is remembered by his caregivers as a gentle man- a gentle man of gentlemen.
Robert Eldon Vanderford was born on April 10, 1924 in Kelso, Washington to Dorothy Iden and John Walter Vanderford. He was raised in Buhl, Idaho by his mother and stepfather, Thurston Pence who considered him his son. In 1943, Bob graduated from Buhl High School where he was active in sports and served as Student Body President. Shortly after graduation, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and went to boot camp in San Diego. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
On June 1, 1947, he and Imogene Love were married at the First Christian Church in Buhl. They had three children-Cindy, Craig, and Karen. They celebrated their 70th anniversary last summer.
Bob began his banking career as a teller with Idaho First National Bank in Buhl in 1946, was named branch manager in 1959, and in 1965 was promoted to Vice President and manager of the Pocatello main branch. In 1971, he was named Vice President of credit administration at the bank's head office in Boise. He retired after 44 years with the bank. There are a number of bankers who credit the training they received from Bob for their successful careers. Many remained in touch with him throughout his life.
Bob graduated from Pacific Coast Banking School. His thesis, "Rainbows by the Millions", discussed the financing of the trout industry and was published in their trade journal.
Bob and Imogene enjoyed spending time at their cabin, playing bridge, and traveling. He taught his children the value of hard work. His grandchildren have many fond memories of their summers spent with him at the cabin in the Wood River Valley raking the forest. His great grandchildren remember him indulging their curiosities.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Margaret V. O'Haire. Bob is survived by his wife, Imogene, of Boise; his daughter, Cindy (Jim) Riley of Pocatello; his son, Craig, of Boise; his daughter, Karen Houston, of Idaho Falls; his four grandchildren, Jim (Kari) Riley of Bainbridge Island, Washington; Mandy Riley (Nels Jensen) of Boise; Amy Houston of Dorchester, Massachusetts; Kirk Houston of Boise; his three great grandchildren, Anna, Nolan and Porter; and his sister, Shirley (Bill) Wetzstein of Buhl; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 1 PM at the Cole Community Church, 8775 W Ustick Road 83704 in Boise, Idaho. Bob's ashes will be inurned in the West End Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho later this summer.
Donations can be given to a charity of one's choice, Cole Valley Christian School 8775 W. Ustick Road 83704 or to Camp Rainbow Gold in Bob's memory in honor of his great grandson, Porter Jensen. The address for Camp Rainbow Gold is: 216 W. Jefferson St. Boise, ID 83702. www.camprainbowgold.org
Memories and condolences can be expressed to the family on Bob's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com


View the online memorial for Robert V. "Bob" Pence