Rob Santos

Rob Santos was born a Valentine's Day baby on Feb. 14, 1955, in Great Falls, Mont., to Robert (Bob) and Margaret (Marge) Santos. He died on Feb. 1, 2014, at St. Luke's Hospital in Meridian after suffering a heart attack.

Rob's physical heart was weak, but the love in his heart was strong and beautiful.

Rob grew up with terrific brothers Chris and Tim and his very special sister, Rose.

Rob's dad was a career Air Force gentleman, so the family moved several times over the course of Rob's youth, including Japan, and eventually settled in Mountain Home, Idaho, where Rob graduated from high school in 1973.

Rob proudly served in the Air Force, following in his dad's footsteps, from 1973 to 1977.

Rob had a lot of fond memories about growing up, and some old photos we saw recently prompted him to regale me with funny tales of his mom, dad, aunts and uncles, his brothers and sister, and one time in particular when he threw a case of beer over the backyard fence as a teenager and got caught when his parents arrived home early.

Rob's first marriage to Pat produced a son, Stephen Santos, but unfortunately Rob wasn't afforded much of an opportunity to help raise him. Rob's second marriage to Angelina lasted many years. To that marriage Angelina brought with her a daughter, Mireya, whom Rob raised as if she was his own, and he considered her his daughter. Rob wanted nothing more than to know Mireya was happy.

Rob worked at Motive Power for nearly 32 years, retiring in 2010. He stayed in touch with many of the employees even in retirement. He returned to work for the company as a consultant for several months in 2013.

When Rob first went to work for the company it was Simplot and he began by sweeping floors until they'd let him work on tearing down a locomotive. He eventually became the Loco Shop and QA manager, supervising hundreds of employees. He held all employees in high regard, even if it didn't seem like it to them at the time. He loved the plant and the people in it and was especially happy on days when he knew he was able to help someone. He wanted most to make a difference and change things for the better. When he felt he could no longer make a difference he retired for good. I can't remember everyone's names that Rob talked about, but the ones I remember hearing, and most I know personally, are Jerry Floyd, Mike Baker, Ron Hyde, Dan Marion, Ronnie Temple, Don and Teresa Rowling, Ray Rice, Mike Black, Chris Hinzo, Gary Barham, Kenny Neitzel, Rick Dolan, Perry, Curtis Duncan, Dan Sullivan, Kirk, Karl, Gary, Homer, Leon, Willy-Willy, Phuc, Pee-Wee, Brillo Pad, Tom Floyd, Dave Zabala, Erfurth, Lavada, Hathaway, Brieske, Moises, Petrit, Scotty, Larry, Randy, Mark, Kenny, Roger, Tim, Kelly, James, Winnett, Robbie, Mahlbacher, Lois, Brilz, Albertson, Burns, and a million others whose names escape me at this time. He had nicknames for some of you, some of which aren't acceptable for publication, but you know who you are. The folks at Motive Power were like family to Rob. Rob had a close friend in Mark Warner.

Robby and I met in 2005, and we had the time of our lives since then, fishing, golfing, bowling, rafting, camping, traveling, playing poker, pool and dominoes, car shows, boat shows, the fair, and a hundred other things we did together.

Our best days were spent fishing at CJ Strike and Brownlee Reservoirs. Robby never could quite out-fish me, but to hear him tell it, I caught the big ones and he caught the most, so we're even.

In April 2010, we decided to take a long trip to follow the Oregon Trail all the way to Nebraska and back. This time together clarified for us our life's plan.

Shortly after returning from the trip, Rob retired from Motive Power. We married on Feb. 10, 2012 ,in Winnemucca with Andy and Margaret by our side. My daughter, Jennifer, became his second daughter. During the past few years Rob really enjoyed being able to spend more time with his dad and family.

Rob became "Wob" with his best friend, Andy Mehl. Andy and Wob spent many years together on a raft, fishing and turning a wrench. Wob loved Andy like a brother. I watched them wrench and fish together many times and it was during those times I could see the love that Rob had for Andy. I think Rob liked the sturgeon fishing best.

Rob and I spent many hours with Andy and his wife, Margaret, watching football, and how fun it was for Rob to take the opposite team just to get a reaction from Margaret and me. It was with Andy and Margaret that Rob and I saw a BSU game and in 2013 traveled to Seattle together to watch a Mariners and Seattle Seahawks game.

If you knew Rob, you knew he liked his mudslides and moscato. He also liked his cigarettes. He told me he'd never quit smoking till the day he died, and he never did. Although it likely contributed to his too soon death, he would never have quit anyway because he truly enjoyed it.

Rob didn't want a funeral, he wanted to be cremated. He wanted a big party where everyone wears blue jeans and tells funny stories. He said if you wore a tie I'd have to cut it off, and wear your White's if you got 'em. Arrangements are in the works and as soon as a date/time/place is known I'll get the word out to everyone. There are so many stories to tell and these will be shared with joy, laughter, and tears.

Rob is survived by me, his wife, Joyce Baker, his wonderful dad, Robert (Bob) and lovely wife Carolyn, brother Tim and wife Neva, Tim's twin sister, Rose Axtell, and her husband, Rick, daughter Mireya Alvarez-Wallace, daughter Jennifer Spencer, many nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud, best friend and other brother, Andy Mehl and wife Margaret and their children Rachel and Becca, and our dog, Eddie and cats Maru and KitKat.

Rob was predeceased by his mom, Margaret, brother Chris, grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

Robby, I love you more than words can say, I'm so very happy we loved so much together. I miss you terribly, but I'll see you on the other side, Luv. You made a difference.

Charitable contributions can be made to the Ada or Canyon County Humane Society. Help someone else any time you have a chance.