Robert Mendelsohn

Robert Mendelsohn, 90, of Ketchum, Idaho, passed away September 20, 2014 in the arms of his loving family.

Robert was born November 13, 1923 in Lynden, Wa. Robert was the third child of David and Sarah Mendelsohn. Raised in Bellingham Washington with his two brothers, Leon and Jack, Robert lived through the depression and worked hard to help support his family. Robert attended Bellingham High School and Western Washington University.

In August 1943 Robert Volunteered for the Army and entered World War II and served in the Aleutian Islands, the Pacific Theater, and Europe. Robert returned home from the war in 1945 with a dozen medals and a “never look back attitude.”

In January 1949 Robert met the love of his life, Sylvia “Sue” Morton. They were married shortly thereafter in June with a wedding that was “the” event of their hometown, Bellingham, WA.
Robert and Sue were married 65 wonderful years. They had two sons, Alan and Darrel. Their years together were filled with hard work, joy, travel, skiing, golf and numerous adventures. He loved his family deeply. He was a man of honor, a mentor, and a source of wisdom that his family cherished. His steady presence and commitment to those around him made him a role model to his family and to other’s around him. His charisma and loyalty made him many friends wherever he lived and he will be missed by many.

With his brother Leon, Robert owned General Plumbing and Heating in Bellingham, WA from 1950 through 1962. In 1962 Robert went into the clothing manufacturing business with his brother Jack in Vancouver, B.C. In 1972 he returned to his hometown of Bellingham and started the landmark men’s clothing store, House of Provias and also the women’s clothing store, Mendelsohn’s. During this period he belonged to the Bellingham Country Club, Rotary International, and the Shriners. Along with all of his years of hard work Robert found time to hone his golf skills and was rewarded with the distinction of having made a total of 6 holes in one.

Upon retirement, Robert and Sue fulfilled their dreams by relocating permanently to Sun Valley, Idaho. In his 30 years in the Wood River Valley, he was a founding member of the Wood River Valley Jewish Community, a member of the Valley Club, Rotary International, and supporter of the Wood River Community Orchestra.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Leon and Jack, and his son, Alan.
Robert is survived by his wife Sue, his son Darrel and his wife Denise, his grandchildren, Zach, Molly, and Kailie, and his great grandson, Ezekiel.

The family would like to thank the Wood River Hospice and the doctors and nurses of St. Luke’s Hospital for their loving care.