Robert McClain

3/1/1953 — 7/19/2014

Service Date: 7/25/2014
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Robert John McClain passed away Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the age of 61, after a three-year battle with melanoma cancer. Bob died at home surrounded by family members. Even though Bob's life was far too short, it was ever so wide as reflected in the hundreds of people who knew and loved him as a friend. He was certainly one of the best known and most dearly loved members of this community.

Bob was born March 1, 1953, in Lewiston, to Robert R. and Viola (Nuttman) McClain. He attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School, College Elementary, Jenifer Junior High and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1971. After years of attendance, Bob finally graduated from Lewis-Clark State College in 1990 with a degree in business.

Bob's careers began as a bat boy for the Lewis-Clark Broncs. He also worked as a paper boy, a clerk at Frei's Market and sporting equipment manager for Erb's Hardware. His years in banking started at AVCO Financial Services and ended at Lewis-Clark Credit Union. Some of Bob's other activities included lifetime membership in The Elks, where he served as exalted ruler in 1985-1986 and again from 2000-2001, Rotary (president for a term), a board member of the Gina Quesenberry Foundation, Little League (president for a term) and the city of Lewiston Planning and Zoning Commission.

Bob married Cynthia Schwegel on April 7, 1979, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Bob and Cindy produced two sons, Joseph Robert in 1981 and Charles Michael in 1984. Their marriage ended in divorce. So far, no other paternity claims have come forward.

He loved sports, particularly baseball. For years he played handball until an injury forced him to stop. He enjoyed camping on the Selway, fishing and, as many of his friends would say, attempting golf. Visiting Bob was usually accompanied by a game on TV. He also admired Muhammad Ali and frequently watched his classic fights. His favorite music was Elvis, but he also enjoyed the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and most early rock 'n' roll.

Knowing and meeting people was one of Bob's greatest passions. He made friends quickly and was a wonderful friend to many. He spoke to everyone with adroitness and humor and especially enjoyed teasing children. His positive attitude was contagious, which he kept throughout his illness. Even up to the very end, when someone asked how he was his typical answer was, "I am great, how are you doing?"

The greatest joy in his life was his adorable granddaughter, Lilly, whom he saw as often as possible. He had the pleasure of watching her on Fridays. They had a special time together with a trip to Disneyland last October. His happiness doubled with the birth of another granddaughter, Mayzie, last December.

Bob is survived by his mother, Viola McClain of Lewiston; son Joe and Laynie McClain of Lewiston and their two daughters Lillian Gina (Lilly), 3, and Mayzie Viola, 7 months; son Charlie of Spokane; sisters Patty (Tom) Urquhart of Clarkston and Jeanie (Mark) Stanton of Clarkston; niece Angela Valliant of Lewiston and her children Hailey and Daniel; nephew Brian (Molly) Valliant of Spokane and their children Keane, Maren and Alby; and stepdaughter Emilie Antilla of Kamiah; aunt Mary (McClain) and Joe Cook of Redding, Calif; and uncle Clarence and Frances Nuttman of Keuterville; as well as numerous cousins. Also surviving Bob are Sean and Kathy Urquhart of Lewiston and their children, Madeline, Tyson and Chase; and Marci Hines of Gilbert, Ariz., and her sons Thad and Ryan. Survivors also include his numerous and diverse friends.

Preceding Bob in death was his father, Robert R. McClain.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Lewiston Elks Lodge. Memorials may be made to the Gina Quesenberry Foundation in Lewiston. Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.