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Tommie P. Robb

October 26, 1940 — January 24, 2023

Tommie P. Robb

 

Tommie Platt Robb

Tom Robb, age 82 of Coeur d’Alene passed away peacefully on January  24, 2023.

Tom was born in Hastings, Nebraska on October 26, 1940 to Theodore and Margaret (Platt) Robb.

In 1943 his family including Tom’s older brother Gary moved to Boise, ID. Gary & our dad had a wonderful childhood in Boise. Tom loved swimming the canals, causing mischief, and riding his bike to the Boise Depot to watch The Portland Rose & others roll in. This began his lifelong love affair with trains. The Conductors knew him by name, often yelling “Tommie get your bike off the platform”.  

Tom graduated Boise High School class of 1958. Then went on to Boise Junior College and The College of Idaho. Where he graduated and also played Football. He then got a part-time job as a Graduate assistant at Boise’s Borah High School coaching under Ed Troxell.  

In 1960 Tom married Mary Elizabeth Blair. They were married 62 years.  She was the love of his life and his rock during tough times. In 1963 their son Michael was born.

A full time teaching position became available at Coeur d’Alene High School in 1963. Ed Troxell knew the Football Coach at CHS, a gentleman by the name of Cotton Barlow. He told him he knew of a promising young man looking for a job. That’s how our Dad came to the sleepy little town of Coeur d’Alene. He taught at CdA High School for 4 years. He loved teaching and he loved coaching under Cotton Barlow, who became a mentor to our Dad.  Teaching at CdA HS was some of the happiest times of his life. Where he met many lifelong friends. He loved teaching but mostly he loved the kids. We’ve been told many stories over the years how he bought a kid a pair of cleats, paid a registration fee, got someone a summer job, etc…  He truly cared for the kids.

In 1966 their 2nd son Aaron was born. 

In 1967 he left CdA High School to go to North Idaho Junior College where he taught Economics and other Business classes for 5 years and also started NIJC’s track program. During his teaching career he earned a Masters degree from the University of Idaho.

In 1972 he left teaching and opened The Iron Horse on Sherman Ave. In 1977 with partners he bought Arrow Point Resort and managed it for 25 years.  In 1997 he opened Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Spokane Valley.  How’s that for longevity? 

In his later years he loved spending time in Prichard, ID. Where he made many friends. 

Our Dad was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, & business man. His four favorite F words were: Family, Friends, Faith, & Forgiveness. He taught his family that. We are forever grateful to have him in our lives.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Theodore & Margaret Robb, his brother Gary, (Tom was very close to his brother and they loved spending time together) and sister-in-law Gloria.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his sons Mike & Aaron, daughter-in-law Patty, grandchildren David & Abby, sister-in-law Gail, niece Kris (Steve) Swanson, nephew Terry (Lisa) Robb, and sister-in-law Debbie (Kim) Smith. He loved his Boise family.

We would like to thank Dr Eric Benson, Dr Ron Fritz, the Heart Clinic and Dr Danko.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sat, February 11, 2pm — Iron Horse Downtown CdA. 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Tommie P. Robb, please visit our flower store.

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