Bob Harold Aavedal

Bob Aavedal, 87, the face and heart of the Alpine Shop, died June 16 at home in Sandpoint.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the First Lutheran Church 526 S Olive Ave, Sandpoint, ID with Pastor Duane Fister officiating.

Bob was born Jan. 29, 1938, on his family farm in Naples, Idaho to George and Goldie (Bodiker), growing up Bob explored the mountains and outdoors with his brother John and sister Mary.

Known for his strong, Norwegian work ethic, which guided his entire life, Bob’s first job was raising rabbits for the market in Bonners Ferry at age 5.

Bob worked in the woods, local mills and built roads. He loved anything outdoors. After two years of college, Bob served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He traveled extensively and was able to investigate his Norwegian heritage.

Bob parked cars on the opening day of Schweitzer Basin in December 1963. He became a ski instructor and for a short time was the ski school director. Bob even surveyed the backside of Schweitzer for chairs 5 and 6 and the North Bowl runs. In 1966, Bob and Terry Merwin started the Alpine Shop, a partnership that lasted until 1995.

Bob met Linda Jorgenson at Schweitzer when she took free Ladies Day ski classes. They married in October 1967. Bob and Linda had three wonderful children. Bob not only taught the kids how to ski at a young age but also to be respectful and accepting of others plus a strong work ethic. Bob loved his children and would do anything for them.

In the 1970s, Bob and Terry purchased the Alpine Shop’s current downtown location from Beaner Johnson. Today, the A-frame ski/boat shop on Church Street remains a welcoming Sandpoint landmark. Bob and Linda sold the shop in 2012 when they retired.

Bob was always a presence at the shop, whether on Schweitzer or downtown. He had a kind, stoic presence yet greeted everyone with a smile.

Besides retail, Bob and Linda partnered with Tim and Dawn Kelly from 2003-2024 to start and run All About Storage.

In retirement, Bob and Linda traveled in their RV from Canada to the Southwest canyon lands.

Bob was a member of the First Lutheran Church.

Bob is survived by his wife Linda of 57 years; daughter Sarah (Carrie); son John (Delaney) and daughter Jessica (Matt). Nieces and nephews and their families: Tollif, Sanford, Todd, Matt, Heidi, Jennifer and Stacey. His favorite cousin Myrna Aavedal. And his many Alpine Shop crew members who Bob always considered family.

Bob is proceeded in death by his parents, brother John and sister Mary.

The family sends a special thank you to his caregivers Tammy and Joanna and Eden Health.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Bonner Community Food Bank 1707 Culvers Drive, Sandpoint, ID 83864 or the Better Together Animal Alliance 870 Kootenai Cutoff Road Ponderay, ID 83852.