Robert Dean McConkey, a long-time resident of Eureka, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025 after four days at Hospice of Humboldt in Eureka, with his dog Spencer and friends by his side.

Bobby was born September 4, 1944 in Mountain Home, Idaho to Llewellyn “Red” McConkey, Father, and Marion Imhoff McConkey, Mother. Bobby is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Sharon & Gene Hammock of The Villages, Florida, his sister and brother-in-law JoAnn & Dan Howard of New Smyrna Beach, Floria, his sister-in-law Evonne McConkey of Arcata, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father and mother of Mountain Home, Idaho, his three brothers DeWayne McConkey of Long Beach, Gary McConkey of Bayside and Costa Rica, and David McConkey of Arcata, and his sister Carol Wasierski of Lacey, Wash.

Bobby graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1963. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in South Korea as an Army Clerk during the Vietnam war. He spent most of the 1970s exploring the United States from Long Beach, Lake Tahoe, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Anchorage, Alaska. where he honed his skill as a bartender.

Settling in Eureka in the 1980s, Bobby went to work at the Café Waterfront as a bartender, cementing a 40+-year employee/friendship with its owner Diane Barmore and her family, along with the many employees and patrons who were family to him. Bobby made a good life for himself as a bachelor, taking care of his cozy home and lovely, landscaped yard. He lived in that home with his two dogs, who were his buddies, named Camper and Spencer. For over 40 years, he rode a bicycle as his mode of transportation and enjoyment. Bobby was always up for a challenging game of pool, a round of golf, or exploring nature trails with friends.

His sisters, Sharon and JoAnn, want to give their heartfelt thanks to the special friends who gave him wonderful care during his last few weeks at home: Don Herriott, Joyce Manion, Colleen Murrish, Diane Barmore, Eric Murrell, Joanne Parkhurst, Dena Delaney and Joe Petricca.

Bobby’s ashes will be placed in a cremation niche alongside his brothers Gary Lee McConkey and Dewayne H. McConkey at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress, California.

A celebration of life service to celebrate Robert Dean McConkey’s life will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 1:00pm – 4:00pm at The Eureka Elk’s Lodge at 445 Herrick Ave., Eureka. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Bob are warmly invited to gather, share memories, and honor his legacy. Contributions to help cover the cost of the service may be sent to: In Memory of Bob McConkey, c/o Rain & Zepp, 517 Third Street, Suite 30, Eureka, CA 95501.

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