Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend Bob Miller passed away the evening of January 31st, 2022 surrounded by family.
Bob came into this world on November 27th, 1947, the first of five very active boys born to Robert and Lois (Arvish) Miller. He spent his childhood terrorizing the streets of Anaconda with his four little brothers and devotedly making up for it on Sunday mornings serving as an altar boy at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Beyond shooting out the street lights of Anaconda, he spent endless hours in the outdoors, hiking to Hearst Lake, hunting and trapping with his father and brothers, and backpacking straight out of his back yard and into the mountains. He participated in intramural basketball and bowling at Anaconda Senior High before graduating in 1966. From the streets of Anaconda, Bob made his way to the halls of Montana Tech where he met the love of his life and forever partner, Rosemary O’Connor, in 1967. He transferred from Tech to the University of Montana where he graduated with a bachelors in history. From there he married Rosemary on April 8, 1972 in a lovely ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic church. The two moved around the country, following the path that God would lead them on together and found themselves on a brief stint in New York City and earning his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville through the sponsorship of the Disability Determination Bureau.
He and Rosemary settled in Helena where he continued his career, built a beautiful house, and grew his family. He continued following his faith and became a faithful congregant at first St. Mary’s and later the Cathedral, working with the Knights of Columbus and volunteering as an usher for several years. Outside of the church he was an avid bicyclist, participating in bike trips all over the Rocky Mountains with his group of friends known as SNAT and was a member of Helena Bicycle Club where he and Rosemary were integral in bringing life saving helmets to the city’s elementary schools. He loved spending times in the outdoors, racing sled dogs (and even volunteering for the famed Iditarod), fishing mountain lakes, and spending a very impressive 70 straight years of camping and fishing at Lake Mary Ronan and Camp Tuffit.
In 1983 he was blessed to have his greatest desire in life granted to him; he became the proud father of his daughter Molly. He found some of his greatest joys in life watching her grow and become an incredible woman in front of his eyes. She in return gave him the second greatest gift of his life: grandsons. Grayson Robert was born in 2016 and Kolbe David in 2019, completing the family he always dreamed of and giving him the outlet to spoil children without consequence.
He was the most easy-going, happy individual who never complained. He enjoyed life and always saw the best in the situation and in others. He was passionate about those he loved and his thirteen Siberian Huskies over the years. We will miss his Anaconda slang such as “How she go?”
He follows his parents, Robert and Lois Miller, brother Greg Miller, and brother-in-law Bernard O’Connor into the Lord’s loving arms.
In death he leaves behind his beautiful bride of 49 years, Rosemary, his amazing daughter Molly Snustad and her husband Oakley, and two vivacious grandsons, Grayson and Kolbe. He also leaves behind brothers Dr. Richard Miller, Arthur Miller, and Harold Miller all of Anaconda; sister in laws Mary Miller of Idaho Falls, Betty Kay DeVaney of Townsend, Maureen (Jim) McEnaney of Boise, ID, Margaret (Daryl) O’Connor of Helena, Julie O’Connor of Missoula; brother-in-law Michael (Lois) O’Connor of Helena; and nieces and nephews Katie, Colleen, Bob, Mark, Kary, Joe, Emmalea, Fuli, Ross, and a bevy of extended family.
The family wishes to thank the caring nurses and staff of St. Peter’s Health and thank the many friends he encountered through the Cardiac Rehab program for keeping him in good company. For those who wish, memorials can be made in his name to Catholic Social Services.
A vigil will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 7th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with public visitation the hour prior. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 8th at Noon at the Cathedral of St. Helena with a reception to follow. Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena,
Funeral Mass
Noon
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, MT
Luncheon
1:00pm to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:30 pm
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday February 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena,
Funeral Mass
Noon
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, MT
Luncheon
1:00pm to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:30 pm
Tuesday February 8, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Share
The Feist Family - Wes, Dani, Jaxsen, and Trenten says
So sorry for the loss of Bob, he was such a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers to the family…
Rev. Richard G. Francesco says
Condolences to Rosemary and all Bob’s loved ones. Bob will be remembered in prayer at Saint Mary Catholic Community.
Lawrence Smith says
Bob and I were roomates at U of M, Missoula, Aber Hall for two quarters. I first met Bob in the late 60’s up at Hearst Lake out of Anaconda. We became good friends sharing a dorm room and we both were serious about college. I had not seen Bob since dorm days of 1969. I was on FB with him. Sorry to see him go but we will all meet again one day.
Kay Hoy says
Rosemary, Molly and family, Jere and I were so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Larriann and Mike Murphy says
Rosemary, Molly, Dick,Art and Harold,
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Rob. He was a great guy. Many years ago {’80 or ’81) after Larriann and I moved to Helena he and I packed into Hearst Lake. A long time after we all made those trips as kids. I won’t forget that trip simply because he was with me. Unless you’re doing that kind of thing with your kids it just doesn’t get any better. He was a wonderful companion. We got snowed out but we had a great time anyway. It was my last trip there, but I’m sure it wasn’t his. I remember it was one of his favorite places. I know it’s one of mine.
Larriann and I can’t make the funeral, ane we’re very sorry about that, but we will be with you in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Larriann and Mike Murphy
Glen J Cuchine says
A smile comes to my face as I recall working with Bob at the DDS and frequent encounters after we both retired. His infectious laugh and smile and many quirky quips and ways of seeing our screwy world will always provide great memories for me. May peace be with all of you during this difficult time. I know Bob will be looking in on you all frequently to make sure you’re laughing. Peace
Patti (McDonald) Marshall says
Rosemary and family, So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. I worked with Bob at the DDS and always enjoyed his easy going manner. I also admired his biking abilities!! A life well lived for sure! You are all in my prayers.
Jim VanFossen says
I graduated with Robbie in 1966 from Anaconda high school and remember him fondly from sports, sports trips, and class reunions. He had a pure soul and a certain innocence that I always envied. A kinder person God never made. Our world is always made better by people with Robbie’s traits. RIP my friend.
Jo and Paul Bryson says
Oh we are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband Rosemary and your Dad Molly. 😢💔 Lifting you and your entire family up in prayers of strength and comfort.
Love and blessings,
richard j arvish says
Rosemary and and family sorry to hear about Rob. Remember the good times we had on July4th at Uncle Bill*s. Our prayers are with you and your family,
Ellen Arbish says
Rosemary and Molly thanks for always coming and sharing Rob and yourselves with us at Bill’s fourth of july. I will never forget his smile , laugh, and easygoing ways. I would like to be more like that. The hole he leaves no-one can fill. Prayers and love.
mike and terry arvish says
Rosemary and Molly We were so sorry to hear about Rob. He was always a nice and happy guy! Always enjoyed seeing you at Billie’s 4th. We wish you lots of sympathy, love and prayers!
Anonymous says
You were a wonderful guy, the type everyone should look up to: hard-working, jovial, and always generous. You lived life to the fullest and left a wonderful legacy. My thoughts go out to you and the family.
Joe & Cherie Shevlin says
Rosemary and Molly…..so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Lucille Ouldhouse Laird says
Robert (Bob) and I were classmates from 1st grade through high school. He was a nice person, always polite and shy. May God bless him and grant him a beautiful eternity.
karen Bjornson says
Dear Rosemary and Molly,
So sorry to hear of Robert (Bob) passing. He was the best neighbor and friend to us when we lived next door on Goldrush. When we moved Bob was among the first to help out. We loved seeing him with his beautiful huskies and always smiling and so happy…a very inspiring and Blessed person of God!
Our hearts go out to you, his dearly beloved family,
May God strengthen you with His Love!
Roy And Karen Bjornson
Rita A Williams says
It so saddens my heart to know that Bob is gone. He was a very beautiful, kind, caring and gentle man. I remember with fondness our sitting on the 11th hole at the Country Club during the Social Services’ golf tournaments. It was our job to spot a ‘hole in one’. We never had one happen. Some were close but not in the hole. We had delightful conversations and laughter. We also did the exercise program at the Hospital and had good visits there. Bob will be missed by those who knew him. My love and prayers are with you, Rosemary, Molly, Oakley, Grayson and Kolbe.
Rita A Williams
Vicki C. Weida says
Molly and Oakley and Rosemary, I am so sorry to read of the death of the boys’ Grandpa Bob. I know you are a family of great together times and that this is a big loss to the whole family. I am glad you have so many pictures of your kids and Bob. Sending you hugs and comfort. Love, Vicki C. Weida
Leslie Martin says
Bob was such a wonderful warm man who dearly loved his family.. I worked with Rosemary for a number of years and was able to see first hand what a loving family they had.. My condolences to the family .. Leslie Martin
Wm. Belforte says
Bob and Rosie were great neighbors when we lived in Montana, and still cherish a special pottery casserole they gave us when we were married up there on Gold Rush. Bob was a good man.