Dr. Robert Merriman Thackeray

Born 10/29/1918 in Bowdle, S.D. to Arthur Mayes Thackeray and Josephine Erica Merriman Thackeray. Deceased Saturday, March 25, 2006 at his home in Jerome, Idaho with his wife, Charlotte, at his side. Bob was born and raised with his sister, Jean, and brother, Chester, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He graduated as Salutatorian of his high school class in Whitewood, S.D. in 1936. Bob attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, S.D., where he excelled in his studies. He had never seen a football game until he was suited up and playing for the college team there. He transferred to Colorado A & M College in Fort Collins, Colo. (now Colorado State University) for his subsequent years. Although he had never seen a track meet, he joined the college track team and began a long and successful career in track and field. His Rocky Mountain Conference records in the 100 yard dash and the high jump stood for many years. The honor of Outstanding Athlete is normally earned by a graduating Senior, and Bob won that title in both his Junior and Senior years. He finished in the top 10% of his class academically when he graduated in 1940 with a degree in Forestry. While at Colorado A & M College, Bob met and fell in love with his soul mate, Charlotte E. Simon. They wed in the Church of Notre Dame in New York City on May 24, 1943. Bob and Charlotte continued to live in New York City, where he worked as a machinist in manufacturing gyroscopes. World War II called many young men of the day, and Bob served in the US Army. Bob and Char have fond memories of their days living in New Orleans while stationed there. He attended Officer Candidate School, was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, and was assigned duty on board the ship "Round Splice" delivering spare parts as needed near the Philippines. World War II ended, Bob was discharged from the Army, and he was thrilled to be reunited with Charlotte. They lived in Texas where he worked as a Forester, and spent weeks at a time in the woods. Their first son, Robert, was born in 1947, in Nacogdoches, Texas. With his family started, Bob wanted to spend more time at home. Consequently, he returned to school at Colorado A & M College in Fort Collins, Colo. for further study. In 1953, he graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Bob was promptly hired by Dr. L.V. Ruebel in Jerome, Idaho, and they soon formed a partnership as the Jerome Veterinary Clinic. His veterinary practice consisted primarily of tending to dairy and beef cattle, and also involved work with pets and a variety of other domestic farm animals. He enjoyed his veterinary practice, and many residents of the area have fond recollections of "Doc" Thackeray helping their animals in times of need. Two more sons joined the family after moving to Jerome, James in 1955 and Thomas in 1957. Together with his friend, Gordon Hopson, Bob farmed and raised livestock "on the side". Bob retired from vet medicine in 1983, and was able to turn more attention to travel and personal interests. He devoted much more time to woodcarving, a pastime he'd begun many years before. Through countless hours of careful work with his trusty jack knife, he created beautiful and fascinating works of art. He and Charlotte enjoyed spending many winters and developing new friendships in their motor home in Arizona. Bob´s competitive nature and love of sport was still evident as he triumphed in many a horseshoe tournament into his mid-70s, including state championships in several states. Through the years Bob´s little family has grown, now including three sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Chester, and his sister, Jean. Survivors include Charlotte, the love of his life and his wife of 63 years, of Jerome; son Robert (Racquel) of McCall, Idaho; son James (Marta) of McCall; and son Thomas of Jerome. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday April 1, 2006 at the Hove Robertson Funeral Chapel with Father Boniface Loutz, OSB officiating. No viewing is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jeromes Catholic Church Building Fund. Compassionate veterinarian, gifted wood carver, extraordinary athlete, outdoorsman, adventurer, kindly gentleman, scholar, father, husband. Few men will leave the legacy that Bob has, and he is dearly missed.