Robert Colwell

Robert Jerome Colwell “Bob” of Post Falls, Idaho passed away on September 7, 2017, after a 2 year battle with cancer. Bob was born on April 28, 1948. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. (Count) Colwell and Aida Lou Colwell. Bob is survived by three brothers: Charles (Jim), John, and Doug; and nieces Thea, and Jessica, and nephew Christopher.

Born and raised in Park River, North Dakota, Bob and his brothers were raised by loving parents with the support of extensive extended family members in this small farming community. Bob moved with his family from Park River to Grand Forks, North Dakota in time to attend Central High School where he performed the lead role in his high school musical, Camelot, before graduating in 1966.

He attended the University of North Dakota, majoring in Political Science and married Gayle Forseide. Bob enlisted and served honorably in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Navy, he resumed his studies at the University of North Dakota.

Bob was well suited and successful in a variety of hospitality/food industry positions culminating in a management position with a major national corporate food service company. He made his home in Arlington, Texas, enjoying his passions of landscaping, growing roses, playing bridge, and participating in political debates.

It wasn’t until about 1995 that Bob moved to the Post Falls, Idaho area to pursue a second career in a lifelong love of roses. He started and operated Ida Rose where he propagated and provided a variety of roses to his many loyal customers for several years. Bob also continued to follow his other interests including that of playing Contract Bridge and achieved the level of Silver Life Master.

Bob will be missed by his friends and family. He had a heart of gold, and would do anything he could to help out another in need.

A brief service will be held on Tuesday, October 24, at 11:15 am at the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery at 21702 W Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, Washington. English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.