Inurnment with Military Honors: at Riverview Cemetery, Circle, MT
Robert Glen McDonald, age 82, of Circle, Montana passed away February 3, 2009.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Marion; two children Jeane (James) Clinton of Circle, MT and Robert (Lina) McDonald of Lewiston, ID; 5 grand children Bobby and Jesse McDonald, Jay, Jasmine and Jianna Clinton; (9) beloved nieces and nephews; and 16 great nieces and nephews; stepbrothers Louis Schrumpf and Frank Schrumpf, and stepsister Barbara (Gary) Pollari.
Robert (Bob) was born in Bear Creek, Carbon County, Montana on February 26, 1926 to Robert and Nell (Ferry) McDonald. He grew up and attended schools in Red Lodge, Montana. He graduated from Carbon County High School in 1944.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Ted Schrumpf, his brother Kenneth McDonald and Kens twin sister Kathleen (Bob) Halpin, and stepsister Anna Mae (Bill) May.
Robert served in the Army Air Corp in the European theatre during World War II. Upon his return to the United States, he attended college at Eastern Montana College in Billings, MT and Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Industrial Arts), and a Masters Degree in Education and Administration. He met his bride‐to‐be Marion Gackle when they were set up on a blind date during college years. They married on March 19, 1950 at the Congregational Church in Billings, MT. Later that year they moved to Circle to gain experience in their chosen profession of education. Bob began his teaching career in the Shop classroom at Circle High School, and covered a variety of positions there during his 33 year career. These included HS Principal and Drivers Education teacher, in Superintendent, and later Guidance Counselor.
After retiring in 1984, he returned to the Circle School system as interim math teacher, and substituted for many years. He was a familiar face at the officials table for basketball games, and loved to work the clock at the football field as well. He maintained his interest in educational endeavors, and was honored in 2008 by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department for his 50‐year commitment as a Hunter Safety Instructor.
Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed trap shooting and was very involved with the local Rifle Club. He and Marion were professional gypsies during many summers, and carried this tendency with them into retirement when they travelled to many locations with their beloved Airstream. He enjoyed weekly bowling leagues, and woodworking and carving were lifelong interests.
He was known to give computer advice when asked, and loved to try out cutting‐edge technology gadgets and tools. Bob was also very active in community groups. He was a member of the Hospital Board, Museum Board, 100 Club and worked with the Credit Union in their early years. He and Dick Ehli provided public accounting and tax preparation services. He also served the community as Justice of the Peace for an interim period, was a volunteer fireman, and a well-known ambulance driver. He helped out with the Boy Scout troop during the 1970s, and was a local 4H club leader. Bob remained active with his military affiliations and the local VFW organization. He was part of the Honor/Color guard until recent years. Bob was a long time member of the Kiwanis and Masons organizations, and had many other philanthropic interests.In recent years Bob was very involved with his grandchildrens pursuits, and was their #1 fan for any and all activities they were involved in. He was truly a modern Renaissance man, and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
Services will be held at the Circle Evangelical Church, Monday, February 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may directed to the McCone County 100 Club or Habitat for Humanity in Bobs name.
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