Robert Steele

Robert William Steele, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on November 23rd, 2020.

Bob was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on November 27th, 1932 to Joseph and Florence Steele. Shortly after, the family moved to Waynesboro, Virginia where Bob was raised. He excelled in basketball and football during his middle and high school years.

Bob joined the Marine Corps on October 28th, 1952, and was honorably discharged on October 27th, 1957. He was a guard in an American embassy in Cambodia.

Also, during this time, Bob met and married Carol Knowles. They had two children together, Judy and Kathy, and were married for 28 years. The family then moved to Los Angeles in October of 1957. On October 28th, 1957 Bob started his police career in Los Angeles and retired from there on July 2nd, 1979. During this time, he was instrumental in forming the first SWAT team in America and taught their tactics around the country including Alaska. He received an AA degree in law enforcement in 1965. Bob also received the Medal of Valor on September 14th, 1966 for saving a woman's life amid multiple gun firings and risking his own life.

In 1979, Bob and Carol moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where he joined the Sheriff's office as a detective. He retired from there in 1993.

On April 16th, 1994 Bob met and married Cynthia Boyes. Bob loved the outdoors, especially the remote wilderness areas. He and his wife, Cynthia, enjoyed many happy days of canoeing and camping along with his friends. Bob also loved going for long road trips across the country as well as day trips to Montana, up near the Canadian border in Idaho and in Washington. Nature was Bob’s joy. Even hunting with friends, rarely did he bring anything home because he couldn't bear to take away the life of something so beautiful.

Bob is survived by his wife Cynthia, daughters Judy Moore and Kathy Brehm, grandchildren Patrick Law, Benjamin Law, Samuel Law, and Shelley Egbert, and great-granddaughter Bailey Egbert. Also, many other beloved extended family members.

A private memorial service is being arranged.