Robert Lewis Clark was born in Billings, Montana, on June 26, 1928. Bob was the fourth child of Ralph D. and Dorothy Huttleston Clark. Dorothy died tragically when Bob was only three months old and Ralph moved the family to Forsyth in 1931, where he started Clark Hardware. Times were tough for the Clark family, but improved immeasurably when Ralph married Bessie Fisk in 1932 and Bob gained the mother he needed so desperately. He lived an adventurous childhood in Forsyth, with his siblings Ray, Pat, and Jim, and cousins, Bill and Bob. Experiences from his youth provided ample material for the many colorful stories he told for the rest of his life.
He graduated from Forsyth High School in 1947 and enlisted in the Navy in 1951. In 1955, he went to the University of Montana in Missoula with his best buddy Alfred. There he earned a degree in social science, along with a teaching certificate, and later a Master’s of Education in counseling and library science. More importantly, he met Betty Jeanne Wilde at Nimrod Hot Springs in the summer of 1955 and married her in August of 1957. Bob took Jeanne home to Forsyth in 1959 where they raised their daughters, Patricia Ann (Tricia) and Kathy Jean, and Bob taught high school in Rosebud and then Forsyth for 30 years. He was a well-loved teacher and counselor, and he influenced the lives of countless young students during his career. Jeanne was also a teacher and they spent their days together both at work and at home. They retired in 1989 and welcomed five grandchildren into their family during the next eight years. They remained in Forsyth until 2011 when Jeanne convinced Bob to buy a condo in Bozeman so they could be closer to their daughter Tricia and her family. He never really took to Bozeman, but he did enjoy the frequent visits, dinners, car rides and celebrations with his family there. His health started to fail him in the spring of 2019, and he passed away at the age of 91 on October 21, 2019, with his wife and daughters by his side.
Bob gets to go home to Forsyth now, to join his immediate family and closest friends. He is survived by his wife Jeanne, daughters Tricia (Kevin) Cook, Kathy (Allan) Steckelberg, and grandchildren Brent, Scott, Alexa, Troy and Erin, who will miss him terribly, but remember him fondly through the stories and the beautiful legacy of love he left behind.
Peggy and Earl says
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather. During this time of loss may God’s promise of eternal life bring you hope. May His ever-present love bring you peace, and may the loving thoughts and heartfelt prayers of others bring you comfort now and in the days ahead.
Oh, what I would give to hear Earl and Bob talk about “the good old days,” just one more time. He is greatly missed, he touched the lives of so many people in his lifetime.
GEORGE JAN SIMMONS says
Jeanne,
Hearing of Bob’s passing yesterday was such a shock. May you and the family enjoy may wonderful memories and keep him close in your heart.
Gail Kolb says
Jeanne and Family,
Bill was remembering when Bob was in the service. One day Ray Kolb was in a bus and spotted him sitting on his barracks steps. When the bus stopped, Ray jumped out and ran all the way back to see Bob! They were good buddies. Bob was well liked by so many! Bill has many fond memories of their time together. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Gail Kolb, Bill and Joan Cunningham
Dick Tallent says
A life well lived
Doug and Cherie Heser says
Jeanne and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s death, but he lived a long, full life and did so much for others. We really enjoyed his stories and sense of humor. Jeanne and Bob were treasured in our community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Cherie
Leona Zaharko says
So very sorry for your great loss. Mr. Clark was an absolutely wonderful teacher In Rosebud where I grew up and went to school. In the winters when I’d be walking to school from my gas station, he would often stop an give me a ride. Wonderful man.
Helen Nees says
Mr. Clark was my favorite and most influential teacher at Rosebud High School in the 1960’s. He encouraged me to attend his Alma mater, the University of Montana. He is probably why I am so interested in politics, as he was easily persuaded to forget the English lesson and have a class discussion about current events! I want his family to know he was a beloved teacher and man.
Joby Parker says
Dear Jean and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I enjoyed working with him so much. What a special person he was and will be greatly missed by many. God’s peace and blessings to you Jean and your family.
Joby & Bill Parker
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences to the family. Loved our discussions at the pool concerning life and Bob’s years teaching. A highly respected man.
sharon cope says
To all the family: Bob was a very special person and will be missed by many. My thouhgts and prayers to all of you. Sharon Cope
Dave and Donna Lloyd says
we were sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was a special friend and a great teacher. We hunted together and enjoyed visiting whenever we got together. I respected and valued his opinions and advice. A life well lived. Condolences to the family.
Kenneth Kennedy says
I believe Bob Clark was my 2nd cousin. I am Florence Clark Kennedy’s son. Had lost contact many years ago with the Clarks and Cunninghams in Florsyth. If there an obituary of his life, would appreciate having one. Thanks
Sandy K. White says
Dear Jeanne and family. Many wonderful memories were created for us because of our friendship! Not only did you and I share many things in common, so did Den and Bob. They could tell each other stories and laugh for hours.
Bob was a very caring, humorous man. He was loved by many and will be missed by us all. It gives me peace and joy to know that Den was just reunited with another dear friend! You can bet it was a happy reunion and the stories and laughter are again being shared.
He was a very blessed man to have had such a loving devoted wife and family. May you find peace and comfort through the “Atonement of our Beloved Savior” and the knowledge that “Families Are Forever!”
Paula Coate says
I’ve heard so many great stories about Bob and Alfred’s adventures! Looking forward to meeting you Jeanne. We’re thinking of you all at this difficult time. Love, Jesse & Paula Coate
Duane and Sue Allred says
Jeanne, we are sorry for you and the girls for the passing of Bob. You are in our thoughts and prayers.May you find the peace and comfort in knowing you will meet again.