Robert (Bob) Burns Stewart, 81, died July 3, 2012, of natural causes complicated by advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease at Parkview Care Center in Billings, Montana. A memorial service will be held at Mayflower Church on Friday, August 3, 2012.
Bob was born February 8, 1931, in Forsyth, Montana to Gordon and Esther Stewart. Impossible to verify but re-told through countless stories, Bob and his brother, Gordon (Jr), had a hand in building about every barbed wire fence east of Billings and west of Forysth. When not bailing wire, Bob excelled in high school sports which in turn paid off with a scholarship to University of Montana. At the University, Bob played for the football team, earned a reputation at Sigma Chi, and served on ROTC.
After graduating in 1953 in Business, Bob served in the Army for four years stationed in Germany. Upon his discharge, he returned to the states where he married Farrell Coffman in 1958. Bob and Farrell raised four children who, to this day, remember their father’s attentive roles in coaching sports, leading Scouts, and orchestrating camping trips that made for exciting stories of survival. Of Bob’s many accomplishments, perhaps his most cherished were his multitude of great friends and raising his family. Rumors of Bob burning down the same smoke house three years in a row and losing some of his big game would-be jerky are consider works of fiction—adding color to an otherwise robust life.
Unfortunately, Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004. The disease claimed the memories and experiences that made him the vibrant man everyone knew him to be.
Bob is survived by his big brother, Gordon Stewart, Jr., and his children: Robert Stewart, Jr., Leslie Stewart Bell, Jennifer Stewart, and Todd Stewart. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.facebook.com/RobertBStewartMemorial.
Karla Harvey says
I am Mary Gray Kiser Fisher daughter. They were cousins through their mothers. She often spoke of him. Just wanted to let you know. Whe is 89 and lives in Mesa Az
Alicia Lee says
Rob, Leslie, Jennifer & Todd,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Being a friend and co-worker of your Mom, they and my husband and I had such fun occasionally dining & dancing and often meeting at office dinner parties. They were always so fun to be with and your Dad surely did have some tall tales to tell. I will miss them both.
Alicia Lee