Robert Kay

Robert (Bob) Kay, 84, of Meridian, Idaho passed away on Tuesday Oct. 17, 2006 while living as a well-loved resident at Sunbridge Living Center in Meridian. Bob was born to John and Emma Kay, of Mauston, Wis. On June 4, 1922. Bob spent his childhood days in the Wisconsin Dells area, later moving to Chicago. It was while he was in Chicago that he met and fell in love with Rose Seniow who would one day become his wife of 61 years. Bob and Rose were eventually married May 29, 1943 in Macon, Ga. where Bob was serving with the U.S. Army. After Bob completed faithful service to his country he and Rose settled in the Chicago area where they welcomed their firstborn son, Richard into the world. 10 years later the little family moved to southern California to follow new job opportunities. Shortly after settling into their new home another son, Randal, arrived on the scene. For over the next 30 years Bob and Rose called southern California their home. Bob worked at numerous jobs, from owning his own variety store in Compton. to leading a toxic clean-up team that worked in cleaning various large manufacturing plants, all the while holding down his favorite position of being the local neighborhood handyman. Bob's ability to work hard, and fix just about anything, allowed him to be well sought out wherever he and Rose settled. After the 30 years Bob took his wife and headed off to Boise, Idaho, to be close to their oldest son, and after a few years moved to Crescent City, Calif. to be next to their younger son for awhile. Eventually, after about 10 years, they returned to the Boise area. Bob was known for his hard work and his friendliness to all. Bob had the uncanny ability to bring joy and laughter into most any situation. He was often the life of the party, and people richly enjoyed his presence. He was a giver. If he had it, and you needed it, it was freely given without strings attached. Bob loved to construct things out of wood. Taking pride using whatever scraps were laying around and making them into some new and useful gadget. He was known for making special gifts for family and friends, stools, bookshelves, toy boxes, the list goes on. Every Christmas friends and family would await Bob's new imaginative gift wondering what his creative mind had been up to. His creativity, friendliness, generosity, and love will be greatly missed by many. Yet, we know that he is enjoying the blessings of heaven, being with the Savior that he loved and served throughout his life, and we are sure, if there ever is something in heaven that needs fixing, Bob will be at the ready. Bob is survived by his son Richard Kay and his wife Shaun of Meridian, Idaho. and Randal Kay and his wife Linda of Felton, Calif., and by his grandchildren Haven Flanagan of Flagstaff, Ariz., Trinity Kay of Mount Hermon, Calif., Jeremy Kay of Florence. Ore., Krista Kay of Bilan Perga, Burkina Faso, Africa, Cassidy Kay of Boise, Idaho, Chad Kay of Boise. Idaho, Lizzie Kay of Felton, Calif. and Jordan Kay of Felton. Calif.. He is also survived by his brother John Kay of Lawndale, N. C. and sister Delores Neal of Westminster, Calif.. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be made to either the Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. 60601 or the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.