Robert Lamar Bridges

Robert Lamar Bridges of Bonners Ferry, Idaho passed away on November 9, 2022, with his loving wife of 42 years, Amy (Liebhauser) Bridges, by his side. His final care was provided by the amazing staff of Auburn Crest Hospice Care and our two compassionate home health care workers.

Robert (Bob) was born on July 24, 1936 in Nashville, Georgia to Grace and Russell Bridges. He spent his childhood in Valdosta, Georgia, with his three siblings, Vivian, Jim and Bruce. Bob attended local schools and always proudly talked of his high school years at Valdosta High School, where the “Wildcats” football team was nationally known and highly ranked.

Upon completion of high school, Bob participated in an internship program, which allowed him to work in Washington D.C. within the State Department and FBI, from August 1954 to July 1955. It was an exciting time and fueled his love of education, history and the inner workings of our government.

Bob enlisted into military service with the United States Army in November 1956 and served until November 1959. He was assigned to Fort George Meade, Maryland. After basic training, he was selected for the Foreign Language Specialist program, at the Presidio in Monterey, California, between March 1957 and February 1958, where he became a translator/interpreter of Burmese. For the completion of his tour of duty, he was assigned to the NSA, in Washington D.C.

With his military service completed, Bob moved to San Francisco, California working for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He often talked about his enjoyment of the beautiful and diverse geography of California, and was able to travel through most of the state for pleasure.

In April of 1966, Bob began his career with the United States Postal Service. He served several different carrier routes in Gridley, California but spent the majority of this career as a Rural Route Carrier. He was active for many years within the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, and held various state and local positions in the organization.

In June of 1992, Bob retired. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, reading and playing video games with his grandson, Matt and his nephew, Evan. Another Bob’s creative skills was cake baking and decorating. He was the original “cake boss” according to his kids! Bob made many beautifully decorated cakes for weddings, family occasions, birthdays, and fundraisers.

Bob and his wife, Amy, moved from Gridley, California to Lake Havasu City, Arizona in 1994. They very much enjoyed their time in Arizona and traveling through the Southwest. Their next move, in 2005, brought them to Forbestown, California, where they could be near and provide care for family members. Bob really enjoyed the mountain air, pine trees, and quiet. In 2013, after an exploration of a more northern location, they found Bonners Ferry, Idaho and fell in love with the beauty of that location. Bob was truly enamored with their new little bit of heaven, and spent the latter years of his life enjoying his home and life there.

Robert is survived by his wife, Amy (Liebhauser) Bridges; sister, Vivian Elrod; brothers, Jim (Trisha) Bridges and Bruce (Lynn) Bridges; brother-in-law, Joe Liebhauser (Kimber); daughters with his former spouse, Betty (Sanderson) Goforth: Sherry (Don) McVicker and Susan (Greg) Van den Heuvel; grandson, Matthew (Mindy) McVicker; great-grandchildren, Kamryn and Alexis McVicker; and numerous wonderful nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.