Dr. Robert "Bob" Conroy

With profound sadness, we honor the life of Dr. Robert “Bob” Conroy, who passed away on September 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and friends, after a valiant fight against a rare and aggressive cancer. Bob’s life was marked by extraordinary purpose, selfless service, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born in the Bronx, New York to Jack and Sugar Conroy on August 8th, 1961, Bob’s childhood was full of energy and the love of an inspiring family. The Conroys moved to Santa Barbara, CA, in 1973 where Bob graduated from Dos Pueblos High School. On a track scholarship at California State University, Fresno, Bob distinguished himself as both a nationally ranked distance runner and a scratch golfer, as well as a scholar with a passion for science and business. His achievements reflected the discipline and excellence that would define his life. Among his most remarkable accomplishments, he ran both a sub-three-hour marathon and a sub-four-minute mile—a feat so rare that few athletes in history can claim both. He went on to earn his Medical Degree and complete his General Surgery Residency at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where he was also blessed with his greatest source of joy and pride, twin boys, Sean and Kyle.

Upon completing his training, Bob was recruited to Yakima, Washington by Dr. Barry Bernfeld, his “brother from another mother.” From 1997–2020, Bob devoted himself to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, where he served as Trauma Medical Director, Department Chair, and practice leader. More than titles, these roles reflected his passion for leadership, mentorship, and collaboration. Bob forged deep bonds with his “work family,” guiding teams through the most challenging cases with steady hands, sharp judgment, and a compassionate heart. As a general surgeon, Bob cared for patients across the full spectrum of surgery—complex cancers, vascular disease, trauma, spine exposures, appendectomies, gallbladders, colon surgeries—treating children and adults alike with equal measures of skill, patience, and humanity. To his patients, he was not only a surgeon but a source of comfort and hope, trusted with both their lives and their fears.

His dedication to healing reached beyond U.S. borders when he served as the lead surgeon on a medical mission trip to the Osanidde Orphanage in Uganda. There, he brought his compassionate care and surgical expertise to those in dire need, embodying his lifelong belief that medicine is both a science and a calling to serve others.

In 2023, Bob brought his expertise and heart to Pullman Hospital, quickly building new connections with colleagues and patients. Though his career was cut short by his own diagnosis, his courage, faith, and resilience continued to inspire. With the extraordinary care of Dr. Eugene Kwon and the Mayo Clinic team, and the constant love of his wife, family, and friends, Bob far surpassed the expectations of his prognosis—living each day with optimism, strength, and grace.

Bob excelled at everything he put his mind to. As a young man, he was a nationally ranked athlete; as an adult, he pursued his passions for golf, tactical defense and sniper shooting, wine (as a sommelier), travel with his wife, and even Star Trek, all with the same zeal and curiosity that defined his professional life. He was competitive, disciplined, and masterful, yet equally generous, kind, and always looking forward to offering his help.

Above all, Bob was a man of integrity, loyalty, and courage. He stood firmly for what was right, never wavering in his convictions. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving son and brother, and a steadfast friend. He inspired others not only with his surgical skill, but with his laughter, warmth, and unwavering presence.

Bob leaves behind an immeasurable void, but his spirit lives on in every patient he saved, every colleague he guided, and every loved one who carries his memory, countless stories and “Bob-isms” forward.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa (Hudson); sons Sean (Kirsten) and Kyle (Jen) Conroy; parents Jack and Sugar Conroy; sisters Ellen Fowler, Kathy (Larry) Mohr, and Christine (Joe) Gigantino; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and his cherished work families. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Ken Fowler.

A Celebration of Life—the “retirement party” Bob always hoped for but never received—will be held on September 28, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hagadone Event Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golf Fights Cancer, an organization Bob’s wife will run on behalf of at the Boston Marathon in his honor; Cancer Can’t; or to Tunnels to Towers, honoring Bob’s legacy of service and strength.