Bob Haley

Bob Haley 1940 ~ 2011 Bob Haley, of Meridian, Idaho, died from a brain tumor May 9th, 2011 at home surrounded by family. Bob was born September 18, 1940, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Homer and Francis Haley. He spent most of his childhood in Fruitland, Idaho, and Ontario, Oregon. His strong work ethic was learned from his parents' example, as from a very early age, Bob worked hard in the hay fields and fruit farms. He graduated from Fruitland High School in 1959, and then received a degree from University of Idaho in 1963, majoring in Education. Bob was the first one in his family to attend college. While attending the University of Idaho, Bob met Judy Anderson. They were married in June of 1963, had 3 children, and were married for 47 years at the time of his death. Bob began his career in education teaching math at Fairmont Junior High, the year the school opened in 1964. While working, he went on to earn a Master's Degree and a PhD in education from the University of Idaho. After teaching several years at Fairmont, Bob became an administrator, serving as Vice Principal at Fairmont Junior High, Borah High and Capital High Schools. He then transferred to the Meridian School District, where he became Principal of Meridian High School, Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent. In 1992, he became the Superintendent of the Meridian School District. Bob was awarded Superintendent of the Year for the 1996/1997 school year. Bob retired in 1998, after 35 years in education. He continued to work in the educational field, serving as an education consultant for the Albertsons Foundation. He also founded the Meridian Technical Charter High School and the Meridian Medical Arts Charter High school. Bob passed on his love of education to his family, friends and anyone who knew him. He truly believed that education is the best gift anyone can give to themselves and others. Bob was a faithful member of Ten Mile Community Church and went on two church-sponsored Honduras building projects. He also served as President of the Board for Shiloh Bible Camp. Bob loved the outdoors, enjoying many years of hunting and fishing with friends, camping with family, and traveling with Judy. He loved nothing more than taking his grandkids out in the boat fishing and sitting around the campfire telling "bear stories" during family camping trips. Bob loved to garden. Family and friends enjoyed a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, especially his peaches and corn. He passed on his love of gardening to two of his children, Mark and Leaann. Bob was the handy-man of the family, helping his kids and grandkids with any project involving tools. He will be remembered for many projects such as installing ceiling fans, landscaping, building fences, putting up a basketball hoop, and cutting down trees for firewood in McCall. In an effort to pass on these skills, Bob built a shed with his oldest grandsons. Bob is survived by his wife Judy; his children, Christine (Deborah) of Meridian, Idaho; Mark (Christie) of Sandpoint, Idaho and Leaann (Matt) of San Antonio, Texas. He was also the beloved grandpa to 7 grandchildren; Caleb, Jacob, Kirana, Moriah, Levi, Kaitlyn, and Lukas. Bob has two brothers, Don and Kenn, and a sister, Jan. Bob's family wishes to express our gratitude to the people who helped provide care and kindness toward Bob and his family in the final months and days of his life. A special thanks to Legacy Hospice, friends, extended family and our Ten Mile Community Church family. Memorial contributions in Bob honor can be made to Shiloh Bible Camp, PO Box 654, Donnelly, Idaho, 83615, or Ten Mile Community Church, 4440 East Columbia Road, Meridian, Idaho 83642. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Mountain View High School's Gymnasium, 2000 S. Millennium Way, Meridian. Interment will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 14 at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens, Meridian. To share memories with the family please visit Bob's memorial web page at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com