Robert Peter Clemens, 83, passed away peacefully March 19 at his home in Meridian, Idaho.

Robert (Bob) was born Aug. 9, 1936, in Loma Linda, Calif., to Elton Clarence Sr. and Francica Adelina (Espinosa) Clemens. Bob spent his early years in Burns, where he learned much about horses, cattle and ranching from his Uncle Buck Clemens. Bob’s family moved to Union, where he attended Union High (1954 graduating class) and was very active in sports. It was there that he met the love of his life, Virginia Ann Westenskow.  They were married in the Logan  Latter-day Saints (LDS)Temple on April 14, 1955, and Bob remained an active member throughout his life. Together, Bob and Ann raised three sons, David, Lyle and Dean, and one daughter, Shelley.  Bob loved his children dearly. They established their home in La Grande in 1959. Bob enlisted in 1957 and served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, Bob developed Clemens Contracting and had much success building homes throughout eastern Oregon.

After retiring, Bob and Ann served a mission for the LDS Church in Galveston, Texas, where Bob’s outgoing nature made him a beloved missionary.  They also commuted to Boise, Idaho, to serve faithfully as ordinance workers in the Boise Temple. Bob developed a love of flying, and after obtaining his personal pilot’s license, enjoyed flying his Cessna over the Blue Mountains. Bob had a talent for working with his hands and was often fixing or building something in his shop. Bob had an amazing work ethic and taught each of his children the value of hard work. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed having a small ranch of cattle and horses. For several summers, he organized and led his family on pack trips into the Eagle Cap Wilderness.  He also took several of the local scouts on high adventure trips into North Minam Meadows. Bob was a gifted story teller and mesmerized his children and grandchildren with detailed memories from his past.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann, of Meridian; sister, Shirley Brinkhoff of Vancouver, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Sheri Clemens; sons, Lyle (Rhonda) of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Dean (Michelle) of Star, Idaho; daughter, Shelley Sontag (Erich) of Eden, Utah; 13 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Elton Jr. and Theda; and his eldest son, David.