Howard Robert Tillquist II

Dr. Howard Robert Tillquist II, better known as Bob, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024, at his home in Jerome, surrounded by his family. He was born January 16,1953, in Denver, CO, the first of four children born to Howard Robert Sr. and Marguerite (Moore) Tillquist. 

Bob graduated from Cherry Creek High, in Englewood, CO in 1971. He graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1975 and went on to attend CSU Veterinary School. He married the love of his life, Paula, in 1976. After receiving his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1979 they moved to Buhl, ID, for two years and then started his own practice, Snake River Veterinary Hospital, in Jerome. Bob was a true country vet, practicing on both small and large animals, until his retirement in March of 2022. Bob found true happiness in caring for the animals and their owners throughout the years. 

Bob’s true passion lay in the outdoors. He was happiest hunting, fishing, camping, and was an excellent skier. His favorite times were spent outdoors in the mountains of Colorado, Idaho, and Alaska. He traveled from Mexico to Alaska in search of the best fishing spot. These trips were made all the better because of his many close friends and beloved dogs. While Bob loved all animals, he had a special place in his heart for his golden retrievers, Kellie, Sam, Heidi, Miles, Ned, Morgan, and Finn, “Geez oh Pete that’s a lot of goldens!”. 

His smile and laugh will long be remembered by his family, friends, and clients. He was a very generous man, he saw good in everyone, and was the first to jump in to lend a helping hand. His last act of kindness will be as a donor for research, as he suffered from Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; and their three children, Adam (Kelli) Tillquist of Meridian, ID, Brian Tillquist of San Diego, CA, and Megan (Erich) Birkby of Denver, CO; his precious granddaughter, Mila Tillquist; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Chandler of Pueblo, CO; his brothers, Neil (Kerri) Tillquist of Denver, CO; John Tillquist of Riverside, CA; his sister, Heidi (Charles Johnson) Tillquist of Ft Collins, CO; his brothers-in-law, Jim (Mary) Chandler of Albany, NY, and Clayton Chandler of Pueblo, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his father-in-law, Robert Chandler; his two brothers-in-law, Bobby and Jeff Chandler; and his nephew James Chandler.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 16, 2024 at Jerome Country Club, 649 Golf Course Road, Jerome, ID 83338. 

If you wish to make a donation, please consider the Gooding County Sheriff Department, marking it for Gooding County Search and Rescue 624 Main, Gooding, ID 83330. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Bob’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.