Robert Claridge

1940 - 2022

Robert Claridge
December 17, 2021
Middleton, Idaho - Bob was a pillar of strength for his family. The magnitude of his impact on his family, his friends, and his community will have ripple effects that extend long after his lifetime. He was proceeded in death by his brother, Bill, and his loving parents, Norton Claridge and Elizabeth Cook.
Bob served in the Navy for seven years and was extremely proud of his service to his country. After leaving the Navy, Bob accepted a position as Chief Instructor/Assistant Director with Philco-Ford Technical Institute in Santa Clara, California (1970-1976). In 1976, he joined Hewlett Packard and moved to Boise. This decision proved pivotal as this is where Bob met the love of his life, Sue. They were married on January 1, 1979. They made a formidable team and their journey through life was an amazing commitment.
Bob worked for Hewlett Packard for 20 years, where he is remembered as a strong leader and mentor. He later joined SCP Global Technologies as Director of Manufacturing Operations (1995-1998) and promoted to Vice President, Chief Technical Officer of Corporate Operations with Preco Inc. In work and personal life, people were always the priority. It was not uncommon to have co-workers greet him and introduce their families to ours when paths crossed outside of work. It is a testament to all of the circles of people he influenced and the friendships that formed and cherished by him.
Bob was fun loving and passionate role model for his family. He loved to get on his soap box even at the dinner table. While the impact of his "shared messages" for his children and lectures on topics for his grandchildren were various, he instilled compassion, integrity, leadership, and emphasizing doing the right thing, every time.
Bob loved flying planes, snow skiing, fly fishing, camping, boating and cruising the San Juan Islands with family and friends. He dedicated himself to sharing all of life's experiences with his family to ensure they too had opportunities to learn of the things they may love to do. During retirement he found his passion for gardening and woodworking. Most days you would find him out in the shop, manufacturing writing pens, bottle stoppers, and all other kinds of wood projects.
Dad conveyed to all that we must have a passion for life, to be curious and never stop learning and to always "Keep Smiling"! We will continue do our best to honor his wishes.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sue, their 4 children, and their spouses: Tracy and Robert Tucek, Angie and John Davis, Megan and Jason Carnahan, and Travis Claridge. A sister, Anita Claridge. Nine grandchildren, Samuel, Christian, Cate, Kayla, Zack, Suzy, Angel, Zaida, John Jr and three great grandchildren.