Robert Neil Maher, age 91, formerly of Lovelock, Nevada, passed at the home of his son, Kent Maher, in Winnemucca, Nevada, on Friday, January 17, 2020.
Robert N. Maher was born to Robert Kent Maher and Irene Mildred Hunter on March 31, 1928, in Tacoma, Pearce County, Washington.
He spent his early years in Rochester, Nevada and attended school in Lovelock, Nevada, graduating with the Pershing County High School class of 1945. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 and attended the University of Utah for one semester before serving two years in Japan during the Allied Occupation.
Bob spent his life in mining, first in Rochester with his father; then at the Codero Mine in McDermitt, Nevada; followed by several years at the Nevada Massachusetts operation in Tungsten, Nevada near Imlay, Nevada; and finally, thirty-five plus years at Eagle Picher Minerals near Lovelock, where he retired as general manager.
During his more than 60 years as a Lovelock resident, he served for 24 years as a Pershing County Commissioner as well as a member of different civic, service and Masonic organizations.
He loved to fish and hunt, especially mule deer and chukar, always accompanied by his dog. He welcomed virtually anyone to join him on his frequent excursions, which for many proved to be a physically exhausting experience after trying to keep up with him as he walked for miles and hours seemingly without end.
He was an accomplished outdoorsman, marksman and explorer, accumulating an impressive collection of historic artifacts that he found during many metal detecting and hunting expeditions. He enjoyed exploring coulee camps, Indian grounds and pioneer settlements. There were very few places in northern Nevada that he had not fished, hunted or explored.
Bob was known as an incredibly hard worker and a fair leader, but perhaps his most well-known characteristic was his insatiable quest for information. He was an avid reader and possibly the most frequent patron of the Pershing County Library and then the Humboldt County Library.
His pursuit of knowledge and love for reading continued nearly to the day he died; his ability to recall facts and figures from just days and even decades before was truly remarkable. He loved a good story, especially when he was telling it.
He is survived by son Kent (Nicole) Maher of Winnemucca, Nevada, and daughter Kathleen Maher of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; grandchildren Erika (Joe) Lucas, Charles Roberts, Guy (Shanna) Maher and family, Colin Maher, Dain (Bekah) Maher, Ian Maher, Camryn Maher, Aidan Maher and Renn Maher; great-grandchildren Evelyn Lucas, Charlie Lucas and Estelle Lucas; and many other relatives and friends, including Dana and Bennie Hodges; Mackenzie (Hodges), Philip and Parker Schmith; Gayla and David Fecht; Joe Quilici; Dan Hill; Don Meissner; Margaret Tantilla and Fred Hawley; Mavis and Jeff Leathley; and Bob’s last dog, Roxy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Russell Maher; sisters Nevada Webber and Irene Owens; and brothers-in-law Cecil Webber and Curtis Owens.
Bob was a good friend, mentor and benefactor to many, and he loved his family and enjoyed his friends. He had a keen wit and always appreciated a good joke and a good visit. He will be missed.
A memorial service will be held in Lovelock, Nevada at a future date. More details will follow.
