Robert Henry Laasch

Robert Henry Laasch, passed away November 13, 2018, after a recent diagnosis with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Services will be at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 6712 El Paso Street, Bonners Ferry, ID., on Monday, November 26th, at 11:00 A.M.  There will be a gathering following the ceremony in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join our family.   He was born to Conrad and Gerda Laasch on May 17, 1965.   Robert was a happy, and wise child, always seeing the very best in life and humanity from the very start. He had a smile that was infectious and warm, and drew everyone to him.  There was no such thing as foe or a stranger and once you were part of his circle; his smile, humor, and kindness was a constant part of your life.  Since his passing, we have been inundated with the stories of that 100-watt smile, contagious laughter, and hit the ground running enthusiasm for the day ahead, despite the early hour, weather conditions, or lousy hotel coffee that was the daily norm due to the nature of his traveling career. His dear friends and colleagues may not have awakened quite that bright eyed, however, they couldn’t help but respond to his energy and he brought them quickly together with his zest for the day ahead. He was a story teller, a history buff, and would regale his people with stories from his life, world history, any kind of trivia, and was an expert on the WWE.  Andre the Giant, was his favorite and he could tell you everything about his career from start to finish.   Robert began work at Washington Inventory Service in the spring of 1986, and worked there the rest of his life. He made family there, not just friends.  He dearly loved his WIS family, and we feel as though we know them, too. The love and support from his extended family has brought much comfort to us. The stories have allowed us to smile through heartache and tears.   Robert had many accomplishments in his life he was proud of. He was an Eagle Scout and served briefly in the U.S. Army, to name a few.  Although it was not a long career he was fiercely patriotic and was very proud of his Country.  He was thankful to the servicemen and women of our Country and never hesitated to show his thanks and respect.    Robert is survived by his parents, Charlie and Gerda, and his sister Mary (Steve) Francis. He was the incredibly proud uncle to Jessica, Jamie (Russ), and Xyla.  His joy at them was unsurpassed.   Preceded in death, and awaiting him in Heaven, were his grandparents Henry and Hazel, and Henry and Maria, his brother John, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We are comforted that he is surrounded in love and safe with our family.   In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name, to the Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Cancer Society.