December 25, 1940 - August 15, 2021
Born the first child to Robert and Edith on Christmas Day 1940. He was to become the “Ol’ Man on the River.” “Bullet Bob” as he was known on the Snake River in the 70’s and 80’s. Bob was in charge of navigating thousands of visitors down the Snake daily. He guided hunters up to the Elk camps in the winters. He was an outfitter, a hunter, a saddle maker and a well recognized braider, with pieces displayed in museums in three states. Bob moved to Pine, AZ in 1999 and set up his “Outfitter Leather” store. With failing health, he peacefully passed on August 15th in Scottsdale, AZ with his sister and brother by his side. Ride on cowboy, ’til we meet again. Say hi to Craig, he passed 6 years back. Just us two surviving our two beautiful brothers, Janet Stephens Slocum of Montrose, CO and Jeffrey R. Stephens of Scottsdale, AZ.
Kenneth Spence
I am so very sorry to learn of Bob's passing. We were friends throughout high school and several years after. Bob was in our wedding party along with Jack and Lee. They are all gone now. Bob and I lost track of each other in the mid to late 60's. But, I will always remember the various good times we enjoyed in school and later at Lake George, NY. He was a good friend.
I owe Bob a big thanks. I asked him about a cute waitress who worked where he did. He introduced us. A while later he informed me the whole crew were going to a dude ranch after work and invited me to go along. I asked if the cute waitress would be there. He said, "Yes". As fate would have it the cute waitress and I danced all night and have been together for the past 60 years. Thanks for that intro, Bob!
F C Bock
I didn't know Bob real well while in high school but began corresponding, albeit infrequently, via e-mail over the past 15 years or so. In 2018 we intentionally took the southern route in order to see him by passing through Scottsdale on the way to Vermont for the 60th. He had suggested we call when we got close to Phoenix to tell him we were there and to arrange to get together. Unfortunately he didn’t answer the phone so it didn’t happen and we continued on to Payson, AZ where we had made arrangements to spend the night. We were disappointed then and are disappointed even more deeply now. May he rest in peace.
Patricia Williams (See)
Oh, sad. Many of all lives have been touched by our passed friends and childhood memories.