Robert L. “Bob” Pennington passed away July 4, 2016. Born to Andrew M. and Elsie B. Pennington in 1932, he grew up in McLean, Virginia, and graduated from Falls Church High in 1949. He joined the Navy for the Korean Conflict and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in the South China Sea. After an honorable discharge, Bob moved to Montana and attended MSU Missoula on the GI Bill where he graduated with a BA in Business. It was there that he also met and married Denise Cranston, his lifelong mate. In 1959 he joined American Federal Savings, then known as American Building and Loan, and was elected to the Board in 1973 and became President in 1974. He retired 23 years later, then stayed 10 years more as Chairman of the Board. During his work years he also served as President of the Montana Savings and Loan League and as Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle.
After retiring he attended Carroll College for four or five years auditing most of the history classes. He was active in the community with the Helena Jaycees who were friends for life, Salvation Army, Helena Trailriders, Lewis and Clark Community Chest, Helena Lions, Montana Club, Capital City Horse Racing, Gates of the Mountains, Montana Employer Support for Guard and Reserve, Montana Navy League, Military Affairs Committee, Fort Harrison Military Museum and St John’s Lutheran Church.
Hobbies included boats and boating the Gates of the Mountains and Flathead Lake. However, once a year he would gather five or six guys and cruise the inside passage of the Canadian west coast in a rented 40 –50-foot yacht for a week. Other guy things and events were weekend ski trips, back country trail rides, and Carroll College football games. Flying a rented airplane from Vetters Aviation was usually done alone. Of course he was always grateful to an understanding wife, Denise. They shared ranching, horseback rides, boating, and taking many trips together. He also loved their many pets over the years.
Especially in his last years, he appreciated the support of his close neighbors and good friends.
Survivors include his wife, Denise; his son, John, of Missoula; his sister, Ellen P. Tharpe, Florida, and his brother, Andrew M. Pennington, Jr., Virginia, as well as several nephews and nieces in Virginia and Texas.
A Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday July 11th at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue, with a reception to follow immediately in the fellowship hall of the church. A Graveside Service will follow the reception at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Fort Harrison Military Museum, PO Box 125, Fort Harrison, MT 59636, or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 11, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Monday July 11, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Monday July 11, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday July 11, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Monday July 11, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
1000 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Monday July 11, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Share
Elmer Richey says
Bob, I will miss you. My friend for 60 years. We shared the same business interests and since moving to Helena , I have enjoyed our visits and lunches. Will miss joining you for the football games. Our love and sympathies go out to Denny and son. Bob will be missed by his friends and the Helena community.
Elmer and Barbara Richey
8196 Owl Ct
Helena, MT 59602
ph 459-5614
Art and Clara Gilreath says
Our thoughts and prayers go out Dinny and family at this time
He will be missed at the MAC and most importantly
at the American Legion
God bless
LCDR Brad Pate says
From all of the Sailors at Navy Operational Support Center Helena, Fair Winds and Following Seas and a sincere thank you for that you’ve done for our Nation and the Helena Community. Hooyah and God Bless!
Kevin Bartsch says
Bob helped me with financing on my first house build project through American Federal, mainly due to his friend of 50+ years my Dad. They enjoyed many of the guy’s ski weekends at Big Sky, boat trips at the Gates of the Mountains, Tuesdays at the American Legion, and one of the inside passage trips together among a lot of other times together over the years. I know my Dad respected Bob’s intellect, commitment to the Helena community and his true friendship over many decades. I’m sure they are both enjoying a beer, reminiscing over the good old days with the likes of Tom Twichel, Noral Johnson and others!! Rest in Peace Bob. On behalf of the Bartsch family, condolences to Denise, John and the rest of Bob’s family.
Dawn GRUNENFELDER says
Dawn and Art GRUNENFELDER had many wonderful memories of Bob. I remember how helpful Bob was with our banking needs. He was a great neighbor. I will remember all the lovely conversations we had around the ranch. Art always enjoyed talking with Bob. Now it looks like Bob and Art will be neighbors again at the Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Denise you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope to see you the next time I’m in Montana. God bless, Dawn Gruenenfelder
Susan Near says
Sincere sympathies to Denise and family. My thoughts are with you. Susan Near, Montana Historical Society