Robert (Clare) McIntosh

Robert (Clare) McIntosh, 94, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 8, 2025.

Clare was born at home in Colo, Iowa, to Robert Earl and Gladys (Granger) McIntosh. One of six siblings, he graduated from Colo High School with the Class of 1948. Clare built a long and successful medical sales career with McKesson, retiring in 1999. He was widely admired for his strong work ethic, professional achievements, and love for his entire family. Clare’s lifelong passion for running garnered an impressive 7 minute per mile pace well into his 60s. When not running, you could find Clare busy with yard work, eating at his favorite restaurant, A Dong, or relaxing on the couch with golf playing in the background.

Clare is survived by his loving wife, Mary McIntosh of Runnells with whom he was a loyal partner, especially in the mission of caring for the animals who found their way into their home. Clare’s legacy lives on through his children and their spouses, Linda and Terry Howard, Cheryl Hanson, and Steve and Jennifer McIntosh. He will be missed by his eight grandchildren; Lisa, Angela, Shawna, Jana, Lindy, Elizabeth, Chase, and Laurel; as well as his ten great-grandchildren.

Clare was preceded in death by his parents; and all five of his siblings, Wilma McIntosh, Harriett Hamilton, Dorothy Olson, Helen Bradshaw, and Darrell McIntosh; as well as his son-in-law, Ric Hanson. As the last surviving McIntosh sibling, Clare proudly served as the family patriarch in his later years and was a cherished curator of the stories, values, and traditions of the McIntosh family.

Clare will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held in late July. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.nationalmssociety.org, www.animal-lifeline.com, or https://www.breakthrought1d.org (supporting Type 1 diabetes).

Print