It is with great sadness the family of Robert E. “Bob” Davis of Helena announces his passing on Monday November 18th 2013, at the age of 61, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic/liver cancer. Bob left this earth way too soon.
Bob was born in Great Falls Montana on July 22, 1952 to Franklin and Genevieve Davis. Bob is the brother to Mike (Sylvia), Gary (Kathy) and Tom (Rita), the Husband to Debbie and the Father to Nolan. He is also the uncle to many nieces and nephews and a friend to many others.
Bob grew up in a modest home in Great Falls where he learned responsibility, ethics, values, trust, the importance of hard work and the importance of having fun. He was taught to try and understand, and have compassion for those who might be less fortunate than him. He was taught to love and was raised in a family where love was important.
After graduating from high school, Bob attended Montana State University where he graduated with distinction in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science with minors in chemistry and math. It was during these studies Bob found a desire to pursue a course of study in Hydrology. With his degree in his back pocket, Bob was hired by the US Geological Survey in 1975 and started his career in Oklahoma City. In 1980 the Big Sky of Montana called and Bob transferred to Helena Montana where he spent the remainder of career. Bob served as the Montana District Chief/Water Science Center Director from 1995 to his retirement. Bob’s employment with the USGS lasted for over 32 years. Bob was very passionate about his work, the resources that he was hired to care for and for mentoring many new scientists as they began their career with the USGS. Bob retired from the USGS in 2007 and continued his passion in water resources as a hydrologic consultant.
While living in Helena, Bob met Debbie (Ekman) in 1988 and finally asked her to marry him in 1991. Bob and Debbie enjoyed their lives together but felt an emptiness that was cured in 1996 with the birth of their son Nolan. Nolan brought immense happiness to Bob and a new dimension to their home. Bob could always be found supporting Nolan whether it is football, hockey, track or lacrosse: Bob was always there offering his support.
Bob enjoyed life and the animals that called his house and backyard their home. He had the pleasure to share his live with Molly and Samantha his two cocker spaniels, a backyard full of birds and more squirrels than you could count. On a regular basis Bob could be found in his backyard refilling the bird feeder and leaving extra treats for the neighborhood squirrels and then watching them from his deck.
In Bob’s own words he had a wonderful life and enjoyed his 61 trips he took around the sun.
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on November 25, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana, with burial at Forestville Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. Please join us at the reception immediately following the burial at the funeral home where we will share stories of Bob’s life with family and friends.
For those who desire, it is Bob’s request that memorials be given to the newly formed Helena Lacrosse Club where his son Nolan is a team member, care of Amber Guge, 2601 Colt Drive, East Helena Montana 59635; the Lewis and Clark Human Society to care for the pets in need, PO Box 4455, Helena Montana 59604 or to the Cancer Treatment Center care of St Peters Hospital, 2475 Broadway Street, Helena Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral HOme
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Celebration of His Life
3:30 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday November 25, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial rite
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral HOme
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Celebration of His Life
3:30 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday November 25, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial rite
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
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Lindsay McCarthy says
I met Bob when Peter, my husband, started with USGS in 2003. Although I didn’t know Bob well, his kindness and good heart were obvious. I had the pleasure of being his dermatology nurse and will miss seeing him walk down the clinic
hall in a crisp white shirt and a great smile!
– Lindsay Mccarthy
Larry Petty says
To The Davis Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry
Rob Wiebe says
My sincerest condolences to the Davis family.
I came to know Bob though our earlier joint involvement in US/Canada boundary waters tasks. Although we met only periodically each year, Bob was a great individual to work with. His diligent, and respectful approach was always evident. I am sure he will be missed in the lives of those around him.
Joe A. Moreland says
Kaycee and I are devastated by the news of Bob’s early departure. His horizon-to-horizon grin, the warmth in his eyes, and the kindness he showed us all can never be replaced. We offer our sincerest condolences to Debbie and Nolan in this time of deep sorrow. He loved them dearly.
Don Bischoff says
Deepst sympathy to you Debbie and Nolan… Bob was a steady hand with the USGS through his years of service and commitment to the Montana WSC. I enjoyed the times we had together when we were dealing with our Canadian counterparts.. He and I had a few shinning pond hockey moments when we snuck one by them in years past. More recently we began sharing our progress and sometimes regression with our cancer timelines. He carried the torch to the end and in one our last discussions a month ago from his hospital bed, he offered, “if there was anything he could do for me”, he would do it. That was astounding to me…
Gina Nugent says
I was deeply sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. I didn’t know Bob well and only saw him occasionally over the years at office functions or visits. What impressed me the most about Bob was his smile, kind eyes, and calming voice. I don’t think his smile could have become any bigger when he talked of Nolan. I hope the love he felt for Debbie and Nolan will carry them through their sorrow.
Maureen Oelkers says
We are so sorry dor your loss Deb. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Love to you and all your family. Mo
Dennis O'Reilly says
God Speed Bob, it was a pleasure knowing you. Thank you for sharing your family with us.
Nolan and Deb, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you
Bill Helgeson says
My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his family. I have many memories of Bob and his family when we were young. He was always upbeat, friendly and compassionate. He will be missed by all.
Dorothy and Mike McCarter says
What wonderful neighbors Bob, Debbie and Nolan have been. It is such a tragedy to lose Bob – way too soon. To Debbie and Nolan, we are always available to help you out for anything you need. Please accept our very deepest sympathies.
Beth and Dan Jankowski says
Debbie and Nolan, we were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We have great memories of visiting with Bob and Debbie at second grade soccer practice. Debbie and Nolan you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie says
Happy 22nd anniversary. I will love you till the end of time….
Love Deb
John Lambing says
Debbie and Nolan – so sorry for your loss. Bob’s legacy of family, friends, and life’s accomplishments are to be admired. Too soon gone, but memories live on.
Jon Davis says
What a great uncle, I will miss his quiet positive words of encouragement he gave me at just the right times of my life when I need it, on the lighter side, I’ll also miss his wonderful knowledge and opinions of new cars,
not sure what I’ll do when I buy my next car or truck! His laugh will be greatly missed
Paul and Robin Woods says
Bob’s untimely passing has brought forth many memories from the 33 years since we first met at USGS in Helena. My first project was working with Bob on SE Montana coal issues; both of us were mentored by another great friend, Joe Moreland. Bob’s ready smile and enthusiasm for work and play helped me adjust to my new career and life. My fondest memory, and that of my wife Robin, has to be Bob’s generosity in hosting at his home our January 1982 wedding reception during one of Helena’s worst blizzards. Shortly after, Robin and I transferred to Anchorage and saw Bob only on our too-infrequent visits to Helena. It’s painful to accept that another long-term friend has departed too soon. Robin and I know that Bob’s final months were easier to bear because of his family’s love and support; our heartfelt condolences to Debbie and Nolan.
Russ Livingston says
Though I only knew Bob during the time he was the Montana District Chief, I have vivid recollections of his quiet, thoughtful demeanor, which was sometimes injected with a broad smile and gentle chuckle. He was the type of guy so easy to like and respect…not flashy but a man with sound character. He always seemed to me to be at ease with who he was and never pretentious in any way. In short he was a solid human being. It is sad he could not have more time in this life to share all that he was with his many friends and loved ones.
Warren & Dee Teasdale says
Although we never knew Bob, he was one of our USGS Family and our thoughts & condolences go out to you & your family.
Ron & Linda Thompson says
Deb, I worked with Bob in the Helena office from 1980 to 1985, then transferred to the Indianapolis office. Linda and I were also neighbors directly behind Bob in the Sun Haven development. As so many other people have mentioned herein, we will always remember Bob for his great smile and super kind way of treating everyone he knew. Few people are aware of and as one eample of that kindness, he let us stay in his basement for several weeks before moving when our home sold very quickly, and the buyers wanted immediate occupancy. Please know that you and Nolan are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan Johnson says
My heart goes out to all of. I’m so very sorry you have lost him.
Eden Bozman says
Sarah shared that Bob had passed over. You are all in our thoughts.
Rodge and Jan Ferreira says
Debbie and Nolan – Our thoughts are with you and Bob. Jan and I have many great memories of Bob during our time in Helena until our move in 87. There were several dinners at our house, many cribbage games, some skiing trips, and a fun wedding reception for the Woods at Bob’s house. He took Jan fishing several times and he and I bought hunting rifles together and joined John Lambing on Saturday morning hunting trips (we were really into it :-). We thought we were a pretty good racquet-ball pair until we were eliminated by a father/daughter team in the first round of a local tournament. In later years, our conversations often centered on Nolan and Debbie; he was so proud. Bob, you will be missed.
Gary Rogers says
Janet and I were very sorry to learn about Bob’s moving on. We are somewhat comforted when we remember that we were able to have a meaningful phone conversation with him a few months ago. One of my earlier memories of Bob was a time when I was able to make a relatively insignificant contribution to documentation Bob was preparing related to a hydrologic study he had done. When the paper came out Bob had credited me with co-authorship. Just one small example of his generosity of spirit.
Lori Tuck says
Debbie and Nolan,
Been thinking all week, searching for just the right words to express my sorrow and sadness. I don’t think those words exist. All I can do is let you know how much Bob will be missed. He was a great boss, mentor, but most of all, friend.
The Rispens family says
We’ll miss you Bob. Ski trips, boat trips, and picnics on the deck just won’t be the same without you. Most of all we’ll miss that wonderful smile and genuine way of caring for others. We are so glad that we were fortunate enough to know you and have you in our lives. Your generosity and friendship will live on in our hearts.
Barb Knutson says
Words can not express the sadness in our hearts that Bruce and I feel. There are so many things that we will miss about you Bob but the memories will be carried in our hearts forever. Your awesome smile, your generous heart, your love for all of our family. We will miss the fun dinner dates we all had and the rides in the Mustang. My list goes on and on…But most of all I will miss my “Big Brother” that I was blessed to have and love for the past 22 years. Thank you for loving me the way you did…You will be in our hearts forever!
And as we promised to you…we will watch over Debbie and Nolan and always keep them safe for you! Love you forever, Bruce & Barb aka…South of the Border!
MIke & Mary Root says
Deb; Nolan & family we are sorry to hear of your loss. We know you will remember all the good times. And that death does not put an end to the love you had. We are sure you have sooooooo many wonderful memories that you will cherise forever. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peter McCarthy says
Deb and Nolan,
I am sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob was a great supervisor and mentor during our time together at USGS. Through Bob and a mutual friend I was given the opportunity to work as a student for USGS in the summer of 2000. That experience made me realize I wanted a career in the survey. In 2003 I came back to USGS after finishing school and began my career. Those first few months Bob would frequently check in with me at the end of the day to make sure everything was going well. Bob was caring and compassionate and treated everyone equally, a trait that was evident in everyone’s great respect for Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie and Charlie Fox says
So very sorry to hear to hear of your loss Debbie. Although we did not know your husband, we have always heard good things about him. Our thoughts and prayers and with you and your son during this very difficult time.
Bob & Melinda Goemaat says
Our deepest sympathy to Debbie and Nolan and the rest of Bob’s family. I remember when he came to work at the USGS in Oklahoma City in 1975, and knew at that time he would excel. He was a wonderful person and friend and will be missed.
Bob and Melinda
Tony & Linda Coffey says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie, Nolan, and all of Bob’s family during this time of grief and sadness. I am glad I was able to work with Bob for six years in the USGS Oklahoma City office. He was one of the finest people I have ever met and had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed by all of us in the USGS family.
Tony and Linda
Steppen & Shirlee Wirth says
Debbie & Nolan: We are sorry to learn of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steppen & Shirlee