Robert Bud Palmer

Joint celebration of the life: of Bud and Shirley will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana.

Robert Bud Dean Palmer left this world to join his beloved wife and daughter on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Rosebud Healthcare Center in Forsyth, Montana. His special niece and her husband were by his side.

Bud was born on February 19, 1922 in Underwood, North Dakota. He joined the Navy in 1942 and while home on leave in December of 1944, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Nelson. Bud said, I came home on leave, borrowed two dollars from my brother, Charles, for the marriage license, and got married to Shirley. I dont think I ever paid my brother back those two dollars. After his discharge from the Navy, he and his bride moved to Colstrip, where he was employed by Foley Brothers as a shovel operator. In an interview for Signals, a Montana Power Publication, the Rosebud Mine Manager said, I can think of no one better to exemplify the spirit of mining at Colstrip than Bud Palmer. He was an operators operator and his roots are buried deep in this community. On February 16, 1953, Bud and Shirley were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Gayla Marie, who was his joy and the apple of his eye. Some of Buds favorite things in life were woodworking, star gazing, working in his yard, fishing, and a good strong cup of coffee. His favorite weekend pastime was taking his bride dancing. Buds quiet and gentle mature made him a perfect father, very special uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, and to all of the children in Shirleys day care. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bud is survived by his special sister-in-law, Helen Palmer; his daughters life partner, Donnell Hippie Barstad; numerous nieces and nephews; and his many friends and surrogate children. Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, of 66 years; daughter Gayla; his parents; and all 10 of his siblings.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Rosebud Health Care Center and Long Term Care Facility. Your kindness, love, and special care of our Aunt and Uncle was appreciated more than you will ever know.

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth have been entrusted with the arrangements.