Robert Vaden

Robert (Bob) F. Vaden, 88, of Mackay, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, July 8, 2018, at Caring Hearts Assisted Living in Pocatello. The oldest child of Lydia Dall'Olio and Hayes Vaden, he was born in Boise on Dec. 29, 1929.

Bob graduated from Richfield high school in 1947 and attended Albion Normal School where he met Velma Hall whom he later married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

Bob and Velma had eight children and moved many times in their early married life, eventually settling in Mackay, where they ran the local lumber and hardware store.

Robert was active in both community and church service. Bob served in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple as an ordinance worker for 23 years, as Scoutmaster for several decades in the Boy Scouts, as early morning seminary instructor for over a decade and as a bishop for the Mackay LDS Ward. Robert was an active member of the Lost Rivers Hospital Board and was instrumental in establishing the EMT program in Mackay where he volunteered for 15 years. In addition, he served on the REA (rural electrical association) for nine years and was secretary for the Butte County Highway District for several years.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Velma, and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by three siblings, eight children, 28 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held in Mackay LDS Church on Saturday, July 14, at 11 a.m. The family will meet with friends and family an hour before. Interment will be held at Mt. McCaleb Cemetery under the direction of the Anderson Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, friends may make a donation to the Mackay EMTs or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perpetual Education Fund, www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/donate?lang=eng&old=true.

The family extends their thanks and gratitude to the Caring Hearts Assisted Living Staff, in particular Angie and Ashley who cared for Bob with such love and compassion.