Transitions
Robert
Joseph Gatchel ‘95A (Emory PA Program), age
45, Boise, Idaho,
formerly of Payette, Idaho, passed away Friday July 30, 2010, at home with
his sister, Liz, his girlfriend, Paula and beloved dog, Hoosier by his side.
Robert fought a courageous battle against cancer his spirit was amazingly
strong but his body was too tired to continue. Robert was born to John and
Jay Gatchel March 1, 1965, in Ontario, Ore. He was their only son. Robert
was eager to begin his wonderful life arriving six weeks premature. Robert
had a zest for life and most summer nights could be found playing
hide-n-seek, kick the can, kickball or baseball with his two sisters, his
dog, Tiger and the neighborhood kids. Robert would travel with his family
most summers to South Carolina, Indiana and California to visit his
grandparents and family. Robert attended elementary, junior and senior high
schools in Payette. Robert loved to swim being on the swim team, and skiing
at Brundage Mountain where he and his sister would often take trails and
hide candy to return the next week to dig up the treasure. While in high
school, Robert was on the basketball teams having one of the highest point
averages and assists. He was also captain of the Varsity team.
Robert also
participated on golf team at which he excelled, the school paper, and the
European club. Robert was voted Best All Around
and was third in his class graduating from Payette High School in 1983.
Robert worked a year at the golf course before attending the University of
Idaho in Moscow for his freshman and sophomore years. He belonged to the
Kappa Sigma fraternity. Robert transferred to Indiana University to complete
his junior and senior years of college. He graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business in 1988. Robert worked a year and a half as a
sales rep for Noxel Cosmetics. He then enlisted in the Army and served from
1990 to 1992. It was in the military Robert found his calling for medicine.
He enrolled in Emory University School of Medicine in 1993 graduating with a
Masters of Science/Physician Assistant in December of 1995. Robert worked as
a Physicians Assistant for St. Lukes Occupational Health for the last 14
years up until the time of his illness in October 2009. Robert loved to
golf, ski, go fishing with his father, cook for friends and family, travel,
he was a wine connoisseur, loved the Sawtooths and Redfish Lake and most of
all, his wonderful dog, Hoosier. He had many friends who enjoyed his sharp
wit, excellent cooking, and honesty. He had a mind like a steel trap and was
a wonderful host, friend and brother. Robert enjoyed life and when you were
around Robert, you enjoyed it too. Robert is survived by his dog, Hoosier,
his two sisters, Liz Gatchel, of Boise, Idaho and Kathy Gatchel, of Payette,
Idaho and his girlfriend Paula Smith, Portland, Ore. He was preceded in
death by his parents, John K Gatchel and Jeannette
M. Gatchel;
his paternal and maternal grandparents; his
cousin, Justin McBride; and his dog, Bear. The family wishes to thank Legacy
Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Robert and also our Mother.
Robert you entered this life early and left it as you entered it, way too
early. Robert you were my confidant, advisor, brother, and most of all best
friend. I was honored to help you and be there for you during this difficult
time. You are an eagle and so you must soar!! We love you and will miss you
greatly. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug.
13, 2010, at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel at 415 12th Ave. South
in Nampa with a gathering afterwards at the Brick 29 Bistro. In lieu of
flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Idaho Humane
Society, 4775 Dormain St., Boise, ID. Friends and family may sign an online
guest book at
www.nampafuneralhome.com.
