Robert “Bob” Sturdevant, amazing friend and father, passed away at his home surrounded by his family after a brave and courageous battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at the age of 71.
Bob was born August 16, 1949 in Brookings, SD, to Clarence and Verna Sturdevant. He was the second child (by 10 minutes) in his family along with his older twin brother, Bill, and younger siblings Diane, Ray and Mark. Being born second saved him worlds of trouble because he wasn’t the oldest child! Bob cherished time with his siblings and there are many great memories and stories from his younger years.
Following high school graduation, Bob moved to Aberdeen, SD, and enrolled at Northern State College. He self-admittedly reports paying tuition with little to no attendance of classes. After his twin brother died in Vietnam, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in January, 1969. He served as a Submarine Sonar Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class on the USS Aspro during the Vietnam War. Bob was honorably discharged from the Navy in December, 1972.
Always entrepreneurial, Bob became a partner in a new business, M&S (McClemans and Sturdevant) Land and Cattle. They had no land to speak of, but started out with purchasing three bottle fed calves (one of them blind) which were transported 150 miles in the back of his Ranchero. The operation grew to 8 cows, 10 sheep, 25 ducks and 50 chickens. M&S would occasionally declare a dividend but it was spent at the local watering hole in no time. Business finally closed with a $500 loss to each partner but wow, the memories they made! After managing the Safari Bar and Lounge for two years, Bob got serious about a lasting career. He enrolled in the Optical Technology program in Anoka, MN and graduated third in his class in 1976.
Bob married Marie Anderson in 1975 and together they had two children, Troy Robert in 1977 and Tiffany Marie in 1980. Although they later divorced, they remained lifelong friends. As parents, Bob and Marie ensured their children always came first. Bob loved being a father and worked hard so that Troy and Tiffany could have the life he wanted for them. He enjoyed spending time with his kids hunting, fishing, jet skiing, canoeing and riding three-wheelers. Bob was always available to rescue Troy and his friends in the mountains and jumped in to help Tiffany and her friends with whatever dilemma they had. He was the first to lend a hand with his children’s projects and saw to it that they were done right. Bob’s home was open to all of Troy and Tiffany’s friends and many of them considered him a second father.
Bob spent 40 years as an optician at Montana Eyecare although his roles at work far exceeded just being an optician. He was a “go-to-guy” and his motto was, “Treat the customer like you own the place” and often said, “It’s never a job when you enjoy what you do”. He prided himself on providing great customer service and made lasting friendships with his fellow employees and customers. Bob retired in 2015 but that didn’t stop him from continuing his involvement at Montana Eyecare.
In 1980, Bob joined the Optimist Club to help local youth. As a club member, he enjoyed working several annual events such as the Optimist Taco Booth at the Last Chance Stampede and Fair, bookshelf building, and the Headstart Christmas Program. In the earlier years of his Optimist membership, Bob spent many Christmas Eves dressed as “Santa Claus” while his children and other members dressed as Santa’s Elves, delivering presents to many families. One special Christmas in 1997, a little boy sat on Santa’s lap and had only one Christmas wish: to be able to see his Dad. Bob made sure this became a reality and on Christmas day, this young boy left for Michigan to see his father for the first time in five years. Bob was a valued member in the club and attended his last meeting less than a week prior to his passing. He established many close friendships with club members.
“BBQ Bob”, as he was known to many, originated with him roasting a pig in a homemade spit in his backyard for yearly neighborhood barbeques. Every year he improved upon the previous barbeque and this passion eventually turned into an unintentional side business with a logo of “Have Spit Will Travel”. Among weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations, he looked forward to barbecuing pork, turkey, and even buffalo for an annual car show on Memorial Day where his meat was always a hit.
Bob was known by many nicknames. “Lucifer” being the first one, given by his high school shop teacher for the pranks and troubles he caused in class. This was later shortened to “Lucy” which has stuck with him his entire life. Bob is known as “#1” to his siblings so it was only fitting that they honored him with a plaque as the only non-presidential face on Mt. Rushmore. “Captain Bob” originated from his pool league where he made many friendships and always had a good time. This name became his preferred name when aboard the pontoon, where he enjoyed entertaining friends over the last few years. To the youngest generation, he was known as “Uncle Bob” and “Papa Bob”.
Bob enjoyed taking trips to see his buddies on the West Coast, having cocktail hour with the Backyard Boys, neighborhood competitions (Bob won the lawnmower race), weekend trips to the Holmlund’s Cabin, brewery road trips, walking with his buddies in what he referred to affectionately as the Forced March, pouring wine at the Festival of Trees, participating in the yearly Eagles Easter Egg Hunt, and many card/cribbage games with great friends and neighbors. It wasn’t uncommon to find Bob out in the garage fabricating some great new invention or working on a new project. Bob found love again two years ago with an amazing woman, Yvonne. He had a spark in his eye when he was around her and they enjoyed life together.
Bob could have taken a trip around the world, but he preferred to vacation back in South Dakota. Some of his favorite times were visiting his siblings, nieces and nephews where cards, magic tricks, garage projects, barbecuing and late nights of storytelling were plentiful. Bob looked forward to the fall pheasant hunt with his cousins and uncles and stopping to see all of his relatives in Faulkton. He enjoyed card games with his mother when she was in assisted living and you could count on him to fix the residents’ eyeglasses while he was there. He sought gatherings with friends from high school and college and always made it a point to stop in and see Marie’s family while he was back in South Dakota. Even if it was a couple hours out of the way, Bob would make sure he got in a few burgers from Nick’s Hamburger Shop in Brookings. Oftentimes Troy and Tiffany would accompany Bob on these trips and last year he was able to introduce his South Dakota family and friends to Yvonne.
Bob’s fun-loving nature and humorous optimism landed him many friends throughout his life and he treasured his friends and family. Bob was a one of a kind man, father, brother and friend and his death will leave an incredible void in the hearts of those who loved him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence “Sturdy” and Verna Sturdevant, twin brother Bill Sturdevant, former wife Marie Sturdevant, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his #1 son Troy (Shannon) Sturdevant, favorite daughter Tiffany Sturdevant, siblings Diane Rolof of Rapid City SD, Ray (Donna) Sturdevant of Watertown SD, Mark (Deb) Sturdevant of Mitchell SD, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his sweetheart, Yvonne Hartze and her family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Bob to the Optimist Club of Helena, 418 Butler, Helena MT 59601. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Fort Harrison VA, Denver VA, University of Colorado Health, and St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center for the amazing healthcare he received.
In honor of Bob’s naval service, love of boating, and love for friends, please raise a glass and join in Bob’s favorite toast: “Here’s to big ships, here’s to small ships, here’s to ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships and may they ever be.”
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday June 12, 2021
Lewis and Clark County Faitgrounds
98 W. Custer
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Saturday June 12, 2021
Lewis and Clark County Faitgrounds
98 W. Custer
Helena, Montana 59602
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Carol Culham says
Bob was an excellent man. I always loved seeing him here and there. God Speed Bob.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss
Tom Juhl says
Bob has been called to oversee a BIG Bar B Que in Heaven………..R.I.P. Bob………
Carol Smith says
Lovely tribute! We were so fortunate to know him, and have some memorable times. Can’t help but smile when we think of him. Comfort and love to his clan and friends.❤️ Carol and Jerry Smith
Jeff & Linda Kindrick says
Linda and I only knew Bob through Montana Eyecare; it was always such a pleasure to talk to him. Our condolences to the family. Fair winds and following seas Shipmate, you fought the good fight, Bravo Zulu!
Dustin and Jennifer Glueckert says
Bob was an amazing man and role model. I got the pleasure of meeting Bob through my wife Jennifer who worked with him at Montana Eye Care. He was going to bbq a pig for our wedding. He had told me and my wife that he needed an emergency operation and unfortunately would not be able to attend our wedding. To our surprise and absolute shock he showed up at our wedding, just days after his operation. He was able to celebrate our special day and make sure everything was being done to his bbq standards. It turned out amazing. We are so thankful to have Bob spend that moment with us. I will never forget it. Thank you for always being a great friend and letting me in on some of your bbq secrets. Rest In Peace Bob.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Bob was always so pleasant to work with at Montana Eyecare 🙏
Norb Roth says
Whenever I met up with Bob, on the job or on the street, he always had a smile on his face. Fair winds and following sea…..
I’m hoping that Bob and Rick are together again in heaven along with the other high school friends that went before them, having “just one more” beer together! Sandy Brown says
I’m hoping that Bob and Rick are together again in heaven along with the other high school friends that went before them, having “just one more” beer together!
Sandy Brown says
I’m hoping that Bob and Rick are together again in heaven along with the other high school friends that went before them, having “just one more” beer together!
Lisa Abelin says
Oh man! Thanks for all the early love and advice in life. Thanks for tolerating all of your children’s terrible friends and loving us anyway! Thanks for keeping Tiffany alive after she ruined your poor truck…and lots of other horrible behavior. Thanks for cleaning up all the disastrous messes we made in our wake. Thanks for showing us kids what real adulting looks like and what choosing to laugh about it all does for your soul. Just Thanks, Bob. Thanks for a safe haven, amazing children who make amazing friends to all of us, and for ALWAYS being kind and keeping that Montana Gold stocked. 😉 Oooops.
You are such a big part of showing me what a father looks like and I know A LOT of people who have grown into good adults who can say the same. ♡ God Speed, Bob! The world will speak of you and keep you close for ever!
Melissa Alger says
Bob Sturdevant and I shared the same birthday and many wonderful laughs together! Our kids loved “Sternblow” as they called him! He will be missed by all! Heaven gained a wonderful Angel and grillmaster! Praying for Tiffany and Troy and family!
Leslie Griffith says
I feel so grateful he was a part of my life ! Bob was a truly a one of a kind man and I was always so proud that he and Marie were the god parents of my children. He will leave such a void in the the lives of all that new him. ❤️
Steve and Ruby Niklason says
What a very wonderful tribute to a very wonderful man.
Sabine McLean says
He will be missed tremendously. He was such a great person and always smiling. He was a great cook and brought many smiles to children as Santa.
Missoula Samson’s- Mooney & Dick says
Beautiful obituary and tribute to Bob. Sending healing thoughts and prayers.
Philip Howeth says
With my heartfelt condolences, Bob had such a kind heart. He always was genuinely engaging, and I admired his civic service. A wonderfully written tribute of Bob, he surely will Rest In Peace.
Kevin Dow says
I never met Bob, but I know he was a great man and a great father. He raised an amazing, fun loving, and compassionate daughter that Helena is lucky to have.
I’m sorry for your loss Tiffany
Patsy Oberweiser says
Tiffany and family I am so sorry for your loss. My great grandson looked forward to getting his eyes checked because Bob always had a treat for him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Tiff and your family.
Pastor Arne Bergland says
Keeping you in my prayers as you grieve Bob’s passing. May you find comfort in your incredible memories.
ROBERTA SCOW says
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I was fortunate to have known him from working at Mt Eye Care years ago. We share the same last name (though we are not related.. my dad was from South Dakota also) it was fun to tease him that I was his kid too… He insisted he was not old enough to be my dad (which is true ) but it didn’t stop me from giving him a hard time.. all in fun. I always smile when I think of Bob. Tiffany & Troy I am so sorry for your loss, your dad was a great guy who always had a smile and a helping hand for everyone & he will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. I hope that your memories of your dad will bring you comfort. Roberta (Sturdevant) Scow
Janet Johnson says
Bob made life a little more relaxed, a little more gracious, and a little more fun for everyone he met along his way. We need more Bobs.
Michael Glueckert says
Bob was a great kind soul. A fine man I’m priveleged too have known . Rest in peace and prayers are with the family!
Alfred and Deanna Rude says
Bob was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Timothy Davis says
So sorry to hear about the loss of ‘Dr Bob,’ as I always called him at Montana Eyecare. What a wonderful guy!
Tom Rasmussen says
This is to wish condolences to Troy, Tiffany and the rest of the family. I was one of the founding partners at Montana
Eyecare when we first hired Bob and that was certainly one of the very best business decisions we ever made. He literally became the “face” of Montana Eyecare through two generations of optometrists.
We original partner’s used to joke that Bob was better know than any of we partners because he saw all our patients
and we just each saw only our own. He was truly a very special man and will be missed by all the people he touched
in the various facets of his life.
Char LeVasseur says
Troy and Tiffany,
So sorry for your loss. Your father was always so pleasant and helpful at Montana Eyecare.
Mary Chronister says
Tiffany & Troy, Allen and I thought the world of both your mom & dad. I am very sorry that you lost them too soon. They will live in your hearts and minds forever. We send our affection and respect to both of you.
Tom Anderson says
Lucy, Thank you for your friendship of 47 years, the cards, the food, the drinking, especially your Manhattans, the golfing and the hunting in SD. RIP, FB
Doug and Phyllis McDonald says
What a beautiful tribute to a great man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We were neighbors in Helena for over 20 years. The “purse in the intersection” is something we’ll always remember. Bob was a kind and friendly neighbor and his BBQ’s were the best! Someone as special as Bob can never be forgotten.
Ron Iverson says
Troy and Tiffany–It’s been a long time since we had so much fun with Bob and Marie–too long, but my wife Eiileen worked for Bob at the Wilkins, Coffee, Rasmussen optometry shop, They were a really fun couple to associate with, and I have missed Marie for several years now, and will definitely miss Bob’s always cheerful attitude and demeanor. He was one of he really great guys. So, you have my sympathy, and I have called Eileen to let her know of Bob’s passing.
Nick Sanders says
I couldn’t help but smile while reading Lucy’s obit. It brings back many memories of days gone by and I am thankful for that. I feel blessed to have Luce for over 60 years. Thanks Troy & Tiff
Bonnie Barnard says
Although I did not know him personally, he was who I looked forward to seeing on my many visits to Montana Eye Care. His sense of humor, commitment to service and friendly persona always made those visits fun. May his service oriented soul rest in peace.
Kris Olson Sanchez says
I go way back with Bob and his brother Billy! with several other neighborhood boys they used to chase us home from school, so I still refer to them as the “Chaser Boys.” My girlfriend, Tink and I had long braids, which I think were just too tempting. He was a wonderful person and always appeared to be happy and enjoying life! He will be missed!
Walter Osterberg Jr says
I went to school with Bill and Bob in Brookings, SD. It has been many many years. I was so sad when Bill was KIA in Vietnam. From Bob’s obituary, it was very plain to see that Bob had a very happy life and was greatly loved by all that knew him and met him. I am sorry for your loss. RIP shipmate. RM1 Walter C Osterberg, USN retired.
Greg Van Horssen says
Just a Great all around guy. Always so very welcoming whenever we ran in to each other. One of those men that, when you left the conversation, you always felt better than before. We will miss Bob dearly. God willing, we will see him again to share yet another laugh and smile.