Robert Alvin Washburn

Robert Alvin Washburn, 93, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at MorningStar Assisted Living, of causes incident to age. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Robert was born on November 14, 1932, to Parley (Dick) Alvin Washburn and Lottie Powell Washburn in Richfield, Utah. Robert and his twin brother Richard were born prematurely, surviving due to the wonderful care given by their mother and grandmother. He was one of four children.

He was raised on a farm and learned the value of hard work; he always talked about thinning sugar beets. He also loved playing in the Sevier River between his farm chores and roaming around “lizard bench” hunting jack rabbits with his friends and brothers.

Being an identical twin, he always had his best friend around. He and Richard were nearly inseparable. Their adventures together continued throughout their lives.

As a veteran of the Korean War, he enjoyed the unique opportunity of serving alongside his twin brother in France, in the Army Signal Corps.

Robert married Joye Crandall in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 17, 1959. Shortly after that, he graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His career brought several moves, and they had a child in each place they lived. Stephen was born in Stockton, CA. Leslie was born in Salt Lake City, UT. Todd was born in Las Vegas, NV. Lee was born in Idaho Falls, ID. They were married for 65 years.

After moving to Idaho Falls, they decided to raise their family there. He spent most of his career there, working for Argonne National Laboratory out at “The Site”. He also purchased a 50-acre farm, which he loved going out to work on, and used it to teach his kids how to work.

Robert had a particular love for where he grew up in Sevier Valley, also known as “Rooster Valley”. He loved his many trips to that valley and roaming all over Cove Mountain. He always enjoyed visiting with his relatives who lived in that valley. He took great pride in his family and taught his children about their ancestors.

Robert’s hobbies included hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, but mostly WORK. He loved working on his farm and in his yard, and on many projects at their cabin in Island Park, ID. He was a great example of looking for ways to serve others by helping them with their work. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his four children: Stephen (Wendy) Washburn of Lindon, UT, Leslie (Cliff) Hill of Idaho Falls, ID, Todd (Tami) Washburn of Belgrade, MT, and Lee (Tonya) Washburn of Idaho Falls, ID; his sister, Jean Hennis of Nampa, ID; 17 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joye, his parents, Dick and Lottie Washburn, and his brothers, Richard and Gary Washburn.

To all those who have served Robert in his final year at MorningStar, including Aspen Hospice, we thank you all so much.

A memorial service will be held on April 3, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.