Robert Wayne Barney

Robert Wayne Barney, 63, of Rigby, Idaho passed away Friday, August 2, 2013 at his home after a 4 year courageous battle with prostate cancer. Rob was born November 4, 1949 in Rigby to Blain C. and Donna Anderson Barney. He grew up in Grant and Menan and attended Rigby High School. In 1967 he married Vicky Hansen and had three children R. Eric, Shalene and Ryan. He was later divorced. He later married Betty J. Reece Hancock, whom he considered his soul mate. They married in 1995 and were subsequently sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in 2000. He worked hard all of his life. In 1967 Rob started work for Machine Tabulating Service in Idaho Falls, where he stayed for nine years. He started a 35 year career in 1976 working for the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls and later Arco, where he gained lifelong friends with whom he continued to enjoy spending time with following his retirement in 2011. Rob is well-known for his love of classic cars and tinkering in the garage. He enjoyed cruising in his two classic Mustangs. He always had a project to fill his spare time whether it was for himself or more often for others. His garage always had a spare bay where friends or family could work under his guiding hand. Rob was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life is characterized by his kindness and service to others: fixing a car or broken faucet, cleaning a driveway, assisting in a move, or mowing a lawn. He served in many positions, including 1st counselor in the Bishopric and in Elders Quorum and especially working with the youth. He had a special love for working with the youth. He served as a Scoutmaster and as a Wood Badge graduate he used his leadership skills to encourage young men forward on the path to Eagle Scout. His impact is measured by the number of young men who sent condolences or visited during his final weeks. Rob was happiest spending time with his family. He made every effort to attend sporting events and dance recitals for his children and later grandchildren. He never missed a family reunion. He was always the first one there and the last one to leave. He made sure that everyone had a good time and was the honorary judge for more than one family contest or dutch oven cook off. His presence will be missed. Rob is survived by his wife Betty Jo Barney; his children R. Eric (Leesa) Barney of Boise, Shalene (Leroy) Shepherd of Idaho Falls, Ryan (Amber) Barney of Ramstein, Germany, Heath Hancock and Mandi (Kerry) Hong of Idaho Falls; and twenty grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 5, at the Rigby South Stake Center, 100 N. 3800 E., Rigby, Idaho. The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug 4, at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 W. Main St., Rigby and from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.