Rob Betz

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - Rob Betz, 46, of Idaho Falls, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, due to illness.

Rob was born Dec. 21, 1961, in Crosby, N.D., to Russell and Karen Betz. Rob grew up in Hamilton, where he was an all-star athlete for the Hamilton Broncs.

After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1981, Rob moved to Missoula, where he worked for Go Wholesale Sporting Goods. In 1989, he moved to Nampa, Idaho, where his son, Nick, was born. While in Nampa, he continued his work with Go Wholesale. Rob moved to Idaho Falls in 1993, where he had worked for U-Turn Vending for the past 14 years. Rob was a road warrior who was a master at closing the deal. In 2007, he was honored for having the most sales in U-Turn's history.

On May 17, 2003, Rob married Marianne McKeel in Las Vegas. "Marimac," as Rob affectionately called her, was his rock, best friend and soulmate.

Rob's only son, Nick, was his pride and joy. Even when he was on the road, Rob never failed to call Nick daily with words of encouragement and to tell him that he loved him.

Rob enjoyed golfing, hunting, boating, entertaining and hanging out with friends in his "power shop." Being with people was what he loved most. Rob made everyone feel like he was their best friend. The only thing bigger than his spirit was his heart. Rob's larger-than-life personality will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Rob is survived by his wife Marianne and his son Nick, both of Idaho Falls; his mother Karen, and his brother Brent (Cassie) of Hamilton; and his pup, Ruger.

Rob was preceded in death by his father Russell, and his beloved dog Bone.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Smylie, Nick Betz, Brent Betz, David Stevens, Rusty Burt, Marv Jackman, Kyp Curtis, Randy Francis, Garry Bennion, Tom Farrer, Tyler Garn, Brad Butler, Tom King and Chris King.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rob Betz Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Ravalli County Bank, 224 W. Pinckney Street, P.O. Box 150, Hamilton, MT 59840-0150.