Mountain Home News 28 Jun 2010
Robert "Bob" Allen Barr, Sr., 85, of Mountain Home, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2010, at a Boise hospital.
He was born on July 21, 1924, in Muskegon, Mich., second child of Kenneth Raymond Barr and Katherine Lucile (Cartwright) Barr.
Friends may pay their respects on Saturday, July 10, from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. The inurnment will be private.
During World War II, Bob worked as a cook on Merchant Marine vessels. His talent for preparing food and his people-oriented personality led him into the career he enjoyed for decades. Bob was a caterer in California during the heyday of movie star entertaining. He specialized in providing tasteful dining affairs for the stars. His favorite employers were Lucille Ball and Frank and Barbara Sinatra. For years Bob was resident event coordinator for the Sweetwater Womanıs Club in Bonita, Calif.
Bob moved to Idaho in the mid-1980s, living for 20 years in Boise. There he catered weddings and other events on a part-time basis.
During retirement he worked as a volunteer at the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, reveling in his role as a greeter in the main lobby.
Bob's sincere interest in people and sparkling eyes made him an effective host for patients and guests alike.
Following a stroke Bob moved to Aaren Brooke Place, in Mountain Home, where he made new friends and enjoyed his mini-apartment. In July, 2008, a series of strokes left him needing more help, which he found at the Elmore Hospital Long Term Care Unit. There his gift for interacting with others created special relationships with his caregivers. Bob was always up for field trips and loved showing off photos of his catering career.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert Barr, Jr., and grandchildren Cory Barr and Kelli Barr, all of Arizona; his youngest sister, Ruth (Betty) Fairris, of Muskegon, Mich., and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his older brother, Kenneth (Bud) Barr, and a younger sister, Katherine Lucile (Pet) Falco.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Elmore Medical Center Foundation toward the purchase of an electric lift chair for the Long Term Care Unit in memory of Bob Barr. Information on making a donation is available from Doreen Krabbenhoft at 208-587-8401, ext. 154.