June 9, 1947 – DECEMBER 4, 2022
Robert Buckley Shellworth was born and raised in Boise. Born June 9, 1947, he was the middle child to Martha and Gene Shellworth. His sister Sandy Shellworth-Hildner and brother Toby, both now deceased, influenced his life in countless ways.
Rob’s roots ran deep into Idaho. From his grandfather Harry Shellworth, whose achievements include the creation of the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association, the establishment of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps for Idaho) and the establishment of the Idaho Primitive Area, to his father who served as the Mayor of Boise (1961-66), Rob was immersed in the importance of protecting the wilderness, as well as being a positive integral part of the community.
Rob’s life was enriched by his family bonds, guided by his sense of adventure and nourished by his connection to nature. Rob died from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease that he bore with grace until Dec. 4, 2022.
Rob graduated from Boise High School in 1965. He then chose the University of Washington for undergraduate and Dental School, graduating in 1972. With a love for travel, he spent the next five years practicing dentistry in places where he could help others as well as gain cultural insight and experiences.
He practiced dentistry in British Colombia, Canada, for a year and Palau, Micronesia, for four years. He then returned to Idaho where he continued practicing dentistry over the next 36 years in Cascade, McCall and Boise respectively.
Rob’s intense connection to nature developed in him many skills that supported his diverse interests and adventurous spirit. From deep sea diving, fishing, Cat and helicopter skiing, to hiking strenuous terrain and trails, he was always up for the challenges; the unexpected; and the grandeur life presented him.
His travels took him hiking various mountain ranges in the Northwest and Asia; rafting various Northwest rivers and the Colorado River; ocean kayaking along the Kauai coast; scuba diving to view and swim with ocean life; and fishing anywhere fish could be found for the joy of the catch.
It was always Rob’s joyful, confident nature that connected him to the natural world and the people around him. Whether you were a patient, a friend, a colleague or family member, he celebrated the best in you.
His family was his refuge and inner passion. His friends were his strength and his joy. The profession he chose was centered by his deeply held purpose to help other people. Emanating from Rob’s core was a jovial, capricious energy with which he embraced all who knew him.
Rob’s wife Jackie, a retired teacher, is forever grateful for the loving, adventurous and family life Rob gifted to her. Rob has two daughters by his first wife Janet. His eldest daughter Sarah lost her battle to cancer at age 18. His second daughter Natalie is married to Matthew Groce. They have two boys: Quincy, age 4, and Caden, age 7 months. Rob took great delight in watching his grandsons’ high energy antics, giggles and laughter.
Rob continually graces all who knew him with the memories of his smiles, his laughter, his kindness and his soulful heart.
Please join us for “A Celebration of Rob’s Life” on Thursday, June 8, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Barber Park Event Center, 4049 S. Eckart Road in Boise.
