Loving husband, father and friend, Robert “Bob” C. Bourassa age 77, passed away October 3, 2010 from complications of Alzheimer’s.
Bob was born in Dillon, MT to Frederick and Pearl (Van Horn) Bourassa, on November 8, 1932 and spent his childhood in Dillon. After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Army in 1950 as a paratrooper. While stationed in Fort Campbell, KY he met and married Evelyn (Creekmur) on February 6, 1953 in Cadiz, KY. He was honorably discharged in 1953.
After returning to Montana, Bob and Evelyn settled in Dillon and Bob attended the Moler Barber College. After graduating, he barbered in Dillon. They moved their family to Helena in 1963 where Bob continued his barbering. After barbering, he worked at Western Drug. He then joined the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s office and worked for Dave Middlemas. He continued at the Sheriff’s office with Chuck O’Reilly. He retired after 28 years in December, 1998.
Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very social person. He enjoyed many gatherings of family and friends. His favorite things to do in his off time were camping and fishing with his wife, grandchildren and pets and motorcycling with his wife and special nephew, Kenneth Downing and his wife Terri.
Bob is preceded in death by his father and mother, brothers; Milton, David and Richard. Sisters; Vera, Erma and Helen, infant son Jerry and other nieces & nephews.
He is survived by his wife Evelyn of Helena, sons; Mike of Las Vegas NV, Del Linda) of Charlevoix, MI. Daughters; Sherri Moltzan (Doug) of Great Falls, MT, Pam Bourassa (Don Dullum) of East Helena, MT. Michelle Adsem (Steven) of Helena. Special nephew and his wife, Kenneth and Terri Downing, their children Jolene, Troy and Gary Downing and Lynn Stapleton, niece Delayne (Rob) Whorley. His great joys of his life; grandchildren; Duane (Flo), John, Cory, Eric, Christina, Casey, Marissa, Ashley and Mariah. Great grandchildren; Sam, Lauren, Faith, Shannon and Mariska and other numerous nieces and nephews; special pets; Bandit and Squeeks.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 10th with the family receiving friends between the hours of 3p.m. – 5 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 12th at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. The family asks in lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Lewis and Clark County Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, MT 59604 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Naomi Rennerfeldt says
It is so difficult realizing and accepting that Bob is really gone! He was truly a wonderful man!! In my teen years he was more like a father to me when my own Dad wasn’t. It was difficult being a teenager, but Bob understood and would guide me in the right direction. His compassion and caring ways meant everything to me. He was loved and respected by so many people and will never be forgotten! He has a wonderful and supportive wife who stood by him every step of the way (she too is like a second Mom to me.) He has five children who loved him dearly and had the utmost respect for him. (Sherri his oldest daughter and I have been best friends for over forty years.) Mom Evelyn, Sherri, Mike, Del, Michelle, Pam and the rest of Bobs family. . .my sincerest sympathy and heart felt condolences go out to all of you!! I will keep you in my prayers asking God to be with you and give you strength during this time. I love all of you and am here for you whenever you need me!! God bless!!!
kelly schroeder rhimer says
Evelyn, Sherri, Mike, Del, Michelle, and Pam,
I remember your house as our second home when we lived on Monroe many years ago. I always enjoyed seeing you and Bob out and about and we would have a little visit. Bob was always a good friend in and out of uniform. I will miss seeing him. So very sorry for your loss.
All my thoughts and prayers.
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
Evelyn and family,
We were saddened to read
in the Independent Record
on-line that Bob has passed from this world to his eternal home. We so enjoyed having you as our neighbors when we lived on Birch St. before we moved to Ocala, FL. in 2004.
Bob was a kind man and we send our heartfelt sympathy and love.
Valerie and Bob Raisch
Jay and Linda Clark Lyndes says
To the Bourassa Family. We were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We hadn’t seen him much in the past years, but remember him well from his years with the Sheriff’s Office and working with my brother Mike. He was a wonderful person and had such a great sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Arlene Hunt says
I am very sorry for Bob’s family for losing such a very nice man. My sympathies and prayers are with you all. He would always stop by the switchboard where I worked and we would have some nice visits. I am so sorry for your loss, he will be missed. God Bless you all.
Pam Brown says
Dearest Michelle & Family
We were so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing.
Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers are with you and your Family at this time. May God continue to Bless you and heal your hearts.
May God Bless,
Pam, Charlie & John Brown
Helena, MT
Chuck Eatinger says
To the Bourassa family: I attended public schools in Helena, and graduated with Pam and Michelle. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May peace be with you during this time and God bless you all.
Kim Schroeder Wyndance says
To The Bourassa Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a great loss. Lots of great memories and friendships. Sorry I am not able to attend Bobs services. I will be with you in spirit. Please feel free to contact me or Kelly.
Shannon Bright-Meyer says
Evelyn and family, I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, he was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. I alway’s loved see you two walking the dogs and enjoyed stopping to chat with you. I will miss that. God Bless
Sharon Sargeson says
Evelyn, I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. My prayers are with you. Fred and I always enjoyed our visits with you and Bob when ever we would see you at the mall or store. Take care and God Bless you.
Kathie Arlint says
Pam, Don and all of the family. So sorry for the lose of your loved one. Know that his spirit will always be with you and hold all the good memories close to your heart. If you need anything just call.
Dick and Linda Reichle and Albert Madsen says
We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was always so much fun and always had a good story to tell. I know you have many wonderful memories to help you through the times ahead.
Rick Later says
To the Bourassa family our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick Later
Fire Marshal City of Dillon
Beaverhead Co Sheriff Retired