Name: Visitation for Robert Bradley
Start: 2021-07-31T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-31T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot

Robert Verl Bradley, 81, a long-time resident of Blackfoot, Idaho, passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, July 17, 2021.

Bob was born Feb 17, 1940 in Pocatello, Idaho, the oldest son to the late Doris (Gravatt) Bradley and Verl Bradley. He was raised on the family farm in Springfield, Idaho.

He graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1958. He attended the University of Idaho for two years in pre-vet sciences. He then transferred to Washington State University after being accepted into the Veterinary Medicine program. After graduating with his DVM, he returned to Bingham County and practiced medicine on his own in the Blackfoot area for a short time, then was employed by Blackfoot Animal Clinic. In 1972, Bob opened Animal Health Clinic in Blackfoot and operated it until his retirement in 2001.

Bob married Tamara Nell Toevs in 1960. They lived in Pullman, WA while Bob attended vet school and then they moved to Blackfoot. Bob and Tammie were married for 21 years and were blessed with five beautiful daughters.He and Tammie later divorced.

In 1985, Bob married Katherine Ann Albertson who had two teenage sons.

Throughout his professional career and into retirement, Bob was active in many veterinary and professional associations, not only as a member, but often serving in leadership roles. Locally, these included Blackfoot Kiwanis, Bingham County Planning and Zoning Committee, Eastern Idaho Grazing Association and Idaho Cattle Association.

In addition to being a full-time veterinarian, Bob had "hobbies" of raising cattle, growing crops and turning a plot of land along the Blackfoot River into a beautiful homesite.He, Kathie, and the family worked endlessly to bring his "sandhill" to the beautiful home-site it is today.He had also purchased a cattle ranch in the mountains east of Blackfoot where he, family and friends spent countless hours working and having fun.Working cattle was generally a family affair, including round-ups, calving, branding, trailing cattle and the never-ending fencing that was required.Bob was innovative and even installed a solar-powered generator for watering his cattle on the mountain ranch. In 2017, Bob and Kathie decided to sell their cattle and the mountain ranch.

Bob and Kathie continued to live their retirement at their home along the river. They enjoyed rafting on the river in early years, and while able, they enjoyed traveling.

Bob was always an avid reader and in later years, when he was confined at home because of his back injuries, he used the internet to connect with family and friends and conduct research on various topics. Most of all, Bob loved his family and shared his love of animals, his strong work ethic and his love of the outdoors, with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Pauline; one brother, Bruce J. Bradley; his brother-in-law, Dwayne C. Savage; father-in-law, Howard W. Ritzenthaler and many of his "old" friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathie;his daughters:Barbara (Hal) Tharp, Tucson AZ.; Catherine (Ken) McNeil, Helena MT; Carol (Brian) Martin, Meridian ID; Amy (Ted) Penrod, Kearns UT and Jane (Brad) Bailey, Blackfoot ID; Kathie's sons: Todd (Jan) Albertson, Vancouver, WA and Jake (Michelle) Albertson, Coeur d'Alene, ID; sisters: Norma Jean Savage and Diane (Les) Stith, Boise, ID; sister-in-law, JoAnn Bradley of Salmon, ID, brother: Barry (Judy) Bradley, Springfield, ID; seventeen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his step-mother, Carma Bradley, Pocatello, ID;mother-in-law, Coral Ritzenthaler, Coeur D'Alene ID; and Kathie's six siblings.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 South Shilling Avenue, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.Family will visit with friends and relatives from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 30, 2021 at Hawker Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service.

A private Inurnment will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to a charity of your choice or take a good friend to dinner and send a card to the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post Register from Jul. 25 to Jul. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bradley

Sponsored by Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot.

11 Entries

Diane Stith

August 26, 2021

Miss you and love you! Give our family big hugs!

Jo Simicich

July 31, 2021

I met Bob and Kathie through their daughter, my best friend Catherine, on my first visit to IDAHO. It was Thanksgiving and I went to visit Catherine, and we stayed with Dad and Kathie in Blackfoot. This Southern girl had never been that far West. Wow, it was beautiful with the river, open spaces, mountains and cows! It was freezing though and we were headed to the I D A H O State vs. Idaho game. "Dad" gave me work boots and Carhartt overalls to wear to the game, and he laughed because I looked so funny, I'm only 5'2" and he gave me the shortest pair of Carhartt's he could find. We went to the Clinic, we went to the see the "big" potato in Blackfoot, we went up in the mountains to the ranch, it was a great time. I got to see Dad and Kathie again when Catherine married Ken, it was so much fun, cowboy style!! We danced.... I am so glad you are in peace now, Dad, we will all see you again! Jo

LaVar and JoBeth Bradley

July 30, 2021

We are sad to hear of Bob's passing, yet relieved that he no longer has pain and suffering. When we visited him a while ago he was very uncomfortable. He was a great friend, cousin, and a Dr. that helped us so much during our livestock years. We knew we could always count on him! We send our love to all of you! LaVar and JoBeth

Dianne Whyte

July 26, 2021

May you very peace and comfort at this time.

Vicki Monserrat

July 22, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Wendy Baysinger

July 22, 2021

Jane and family, we are sending you strength and love at this
difficult time. You will all be in our thoughts!

Wendy & Janice

Clark Savage & Stacia Hastings SAVAGE

July 21, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear about my Uncle Bob's passing. I take solace because he was a good man, lived a full life, and was loved by many, including myself. My earliest memories of Bob were my fascination and admiration of his abilities as a veterinarian. As a youth, he graciously took me along on a few of his rounds, and I can remember on one occasion where we autopsied a bloated cow. He took the time to explain to me what he was doing and why he was doing it. The whole experience left an impression on me. For quite a while afterward, I wanted to be a veterinarian, a childhood dream that I never pursued. I don't believe that we ever really die. I think that we go somewhere else to a place where our family, friends, and pets go before us. I am sure that Bob was welcomed with open arms, paws, and hooves. On earth, we lose a person's physical body, but the memories and love last forever.

Dean & Norene Shelman

July 21, 2021

So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time of grest loss. He was a great Veterinary and friend. Dean says,"I always considered the Bradleys as good friends and very good neighbors"

Alice Ekker

July 20, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Dr. Bradley was one of the last of the "good ole boys" he will be loved and missed by many.
Al & Nel Ekker
Family

Jared and Marla Bradley

July 20, 2021

RIP Uncle Bob. You were a great man and a stalwart. Glad you are out of pain and on the other side with those that love you. Praying for peace and comfort for all who mourn your passing.

John & Becky Houghland

July 20, 2021

We are saddened to hear of Dr. (Bob) Bradley’s passing. He was not only our veterinarian for so many years, but a great friend. He will truly be missed. Our condolences and prayers to his family.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results