• Date Of Birth: December 15, 1933
  • Date Of Death: November 2, 2016
  • State: Idaho

Robert Edward Simmons of Meridian, Idaho passed away at home on November 2, 2016 after a three year battle with cancer. His loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Elzada, was by his side to care for him as he began his final siesta.

Robert was born December 15, 1933 in Jerome, Arizona to Paul Simmons and Erma Clayton, the third of their three children. He had an active, adventurous childhood and filled his days with burro riding, baseball playing, and shooting his Daisy Red Rider BB gun.

In 1945 his family moved to Morenci, AZ where he attended Morenci High School. Robert was an outstanding athlete and played football, basketball, baseball, tennis and track. He made first team All-State in football, All-Conference in Basketball, and won the State Doubles Tennis Championship. His senior year in high school he was elected Student Body President and Athletic Club President. With his father’s encouragement, he also earned his Distinguished Rifleman Award. It was also in high school that he met and began dating the love of his life, a “cute little blonde” named Elzada Young.

After high school Robert enrolled in the University of Arizona Pre-Veterinary program. He focused on his studies but still made time for Intramural Sports. He was one of only two men in his class to make the honorary Athletic Fraternity, which consisted of passing tests in 10 events such as swimming, rope climbing, hurdling, vaulting and running. When Elzada Young enrolled in the U of A in 1953, Robert also made time to date her in between his studies and sports.

In 1954 Robert moved to Fort Collins, CO to further his education at Colorado State University. He graduated from CSU in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

On June 12, 1956 Robert and Elzada were married and sealed in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple.

Robert worked at two veterinary practices in Arizona before moving to Idaho in 1961. Over the next 20 years, Robert would work as a Veterinarian and livestock exporter, traveling the world to complete assignments and sometimes with the family in tow. In 1972 Robert moved his family to Argentina where he worked for the United Nations sheep management project. In 1973 Robert and Elzada moved back to Idaho and built their home in Meridian where they would remain for the next 43 years.

Throughout his life, Robert was known for his friendly and outgoing nature. He always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a joke to tell. He was a hard-working, dedicated family man who lived life to the fullest. He never liked to sit still and was known in his later years for his age-defying activity and fitness level. Robert loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing as often as possible. His work as a veterinarian was also his hobby, and he owned and trained many dogs, horses, and mules over the years.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandsons Hayden and Hudson, who shared his adventurous spirit. He is survived by his sister Marilyn (Wayne) Peay and his brother Paul (Maggie) Simmons; his faithful companion Elzada and their nine children: Dale (Cindy), Lane (LeAnn), Denae (Loren) Lambert, Brett (Katie), Rhonda (Chris) Pilayo, Corinne (Meredith) Packard, Craig (Nicole), Kent (Heidi) and Gina (Chris) Convey; 34 of his grandchildren, and his 14 great-grandchildren.

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