Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on November 27, 2023. He was 73 years old.
Bob was born and raised in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1968. He also attended Montana State University for a period of time and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served in Vietnam.
“RAK” as he was known, (Robert Alvin Knudson), was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at a family cabin near Helena. He was an amazing athlete who was a junior champion bowler, a star basketball player in high school, a champion baseball player in the Helena Sports Hall of Fame, and a champion Helena golfer. For many years, Bob was an avid Miami Dolphins fan.
Professionally, Bob was a firefighter, Fire Prevention Officer, and Fire Marshall during his 26-year career with the Helena Fire Department. Following his retirement from the City, he used his knowledge and experience to establish Flamesafe of the Rockies.
Bob led a life of adventure making countless friends along the way. He had a quick wit and a sparkle in his eyes that spoke to his “mischievous” nature.
Bob is survived by his wife, Beverly Hoffman Walters, the love of his life whom he married in 2017. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Nyree (Derk) Schmidt, Nate (Alicia) Walters, and Nick (Hannah Bulovsky) Walters, and five grandchildren. His sister, Joan Knudson Weed, also survives him. Bob’s “other love” was his Boston Terrier named Tessie.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Dorine and Ada Knudson of Helena, both maternal and paternal grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Lung Association in memory of Bob.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jim and Sally says
We are so sorry for your loss
Melissa and Jeff Sherlock says
Sorry to hear this. Bob and I went to Helena High School together. He was a tremendous athlete and a real good guy. Peace to his family.
Denise & Jim Backstrom says
Bev & Joanie, we are so sorry to hear about Bobby. We have many happy memories with him. Buckaroo Bobby will be missed for sure. Please call if you need anything. hugs.
Rogelio Nmn Moreno says
I first met Bob when he was a fireman and than Cheif of the Helena Fire Department we also bowled in the same bowling league together and I see if often when I lived in Liesure Village he and his wife lived just down the street from me I had my run ins with the fire department but he always treated me with respect even when he was doing his job he was well liked and will be missed RIP Bob it was a pleasure knowing you
Jill shea says
Bev, we are so sad for your loss. We’ll be missing him on Wed gathering. We hope you can still join us on our Wed get together. Jill and Don
Jackie Schmidt says
So sorry to hear about your loss Bev. . You are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏
Bob Pennington says
What a great man and friend! He will be missed!
Sherryl Vaughn says
Bob will be missed by so many..we will miss him at Wacky Wednesday! He is finally able to breath and is at peace. RIP Bob. Prayers to you Bev..
Nick Cladis says
Our sincerest sympathy to the family. Bob was such a handsome lad! His sense of humor was at the top. I was very sad to hear of his passing. He and my brother-in-law were good friends.
Bob was a great athlete and a force with the Bengals.
Sincerely am sorry to the family. He was exceptional!
Nick and Linda Cladis
Terry Harris says
Bob and I played a lot of golf and bowled oved the years. He was a great competitor and will miss him a lot. Prayers for you Bev and Joanie. Rest in peace my friend.
Larry and Lisa Murphy says
I spent many fun times with Bob. He was an Attaboy who lived hard and played hard. Our deep condolences for you Bev and the family. RIP Bob.
Jim says
Condolences to the family. Bob was a fine man, a real pleasure to know him. He had one of the sweetest golf swings you’d ever want to see.
Jim Mullins
Julie (Stinchfield) & Jim DeMars says
Awww Kanuder! Lots of good memories , a lot of them are stories told by my dad!! You were a great guy, a great athlete, a great friend & lots of fun. May you rest in peace always!
Tell all of those yahoos hello!
Bill Houston says
What can I say. Best friends for over 50 years
John & Betty Brewer says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a good friend and a friend to many. My heart goes out to his family. May you find peace and beautiful memories that will ease your pain. Sincere condolences to the whole family. May he rest in peace.
Fina Rivera says
Joanie, Bev and family, sending our sincere condolences on your loss. Never got to meet Bob but felt we knew him all along through Joanie as she always spoke very highly of her brother. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Fina
wayne kovick says
JOANIE,I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT BOB. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND . WE LIVED AND PLAYED HARD. I WILL MISS HIM.