Robert G Alverson

Robert Alverson passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 26th. He was born at home in a small town in Monroe county, Missouri, on June 24, 1932. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his children: Robert Alverson, Lenita Fryxell, David Alverson, Laura Meis and his step children: Larry Gillman, Charlie Gillman and Wendy Gillman. Bob was known for his friendly smile, warm demeanor and helpful ways. The best way to describe him was that he loved; he loved….his family, animals, people, adventure, helping others, building fires, cooking, cowboy boots, and classical music. In short, life; he loved life. He loved Shirley and often spoke fondly of their adventures. He loved their trips. It was clear, these trips put joy in his heart. They rode bicycles in foreign countries, skied in Mammoth and entertained family and friends. They enjoyed happy hour at home each day with a glass of wine and cheese and crackers. He loved that. Shirley brought him much joy, love and happiness. He loved his kids, step kids and the extended family. He loved to make them pancakes, share his wisdom and join the fun, he would try anything. At 82, he rode a jet ski for the first time on the Colorado River. He spoke fondly of attending a retirement ceremony at Lemoore Naval Air Station in California for his stepson Charlie. He was so proud to see Charlie being "piped aboard" the ship. He loved shooting with the kids, be it arrows or guns. He loved to share a beverage and a story. He just loved to smile and laugh. His laugh brought a smile to your face and warmed your heart. He spoke of how proud he was of Wendy and how they shared love of the outdoors, horses and motorcycles. He enjoyed having holidays at Larry's and deep-frying a turkey and seeing the horses. He passed his love of peanut butter on to his kids. To this day none of us want pancakes without peanut butter. Bob loved animals. He said sometimes, that he should have been a veterinarian. He loved dogs and horses the most. His two favorite dogs were Cindy and Ty. Cindy was the family dog and a German Shorthair. Cindy was able to go with him to work. Ty, the shihtzu, went everywhere with him. He loved them and they adored him. Dad would take Ty on the road, Ty would get into a bag to hide so he could be brought into the hotel. Bob would say that he didn't like cats, but he did; he had one, Boots. Boots would go outside and wait for dad to come home and then follow him in. When outdoors Bob would stop to the pet the animals. He loved to pet horses and they would soak up as much as they could. Animals know who they can trust and they all trusted Bob. Bob's career was long and varied. He loved to share stories of his days as cook in the Air Force. He loved to make breakfast for the gang at 2AM. He sold cars for awhile and he was a mechanic for some years. But construction was his passion. He worked on Hell's Canyon Dam in Eastern Oregon on the Snake river. In the late 1950s, he helped build Mataguay Boys Scout Ranch in Southern California. Mataguay is still open today. Bob was a construction superintendent for more than 45 years. He built restaurants, homes, pole barns, office buildings and assisted living centers. He loved to take people on tours of his job sites with his faithful dog. His final job was at Lowe's, he got paid for talking to people and helping them find things and giving DYI advice. Bob loved to be helpful. He would help anyone and was often the first to offer to help. He would stop and help if you were pulled off the road with your hood up. He would offer directions if you were lost. One time while he was moving the family and driving a Uhaul on snowy roads, a family was in a ditch and he got them out of the ditch in the Uhaul and drove us all to the next town to safety. Even at 85, he cut wood for others and would take it to them and stack it. He loved a good fire. Bob loved his boots and his cowboy hats. He rarely went anywhere without his hat. He listened to classical music. Funny, how many cowboys loved Mozart and the William Tell overture? Bob truly loved to enrich the lives of others. He firmly believed one must be taught to fish, not just given a meal. He taught so many, countless things. He just wanted to make a difference and make the world a happier place. Bob was strong tough man, he loved deeply and had a fierce stubborn streak. He stood proud, which showed in his posture. Even in his 80's he was active and often ran circles around people 20 years his junior. He did things his way. He went out on his terms. Bob never gave in and he never gave up.