Robert “Bob” Ellsworth Jewell, born October 19, 1946 to Clayton Jewell and Lillian (Bernita) Jacobs, went home to heaven in the early hours of December 18th with his daughters by his side. He was 71 years old. His final night was very peaceful and full of love. Bob and his daughters shared favorite memories by candlelight with sounds of nature floating through the air. As he went home, an instrumental of Hallelujah began to play, assuring us that he was being rejoiced into heaven and that his mind and body were free from pain. Bob’s life was cut short surprisingly not from his persistent efforts of ridding noxious weeds or from one of his many “brilliant” ideas, but instead from Mesothelioma.
The roles Bob played in his life were what he valued most. He was a beloved father to Sheri Erhardt and Holly Jewell, a “Boppa” (grandpa), a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a friend, a teacher, and a squad leader. Bob was truly treasured and respected by countless people. Bob’s gracious kindness, witty sense of humor, passionate storytelling, intelligence, and loving spirit attracted a wide circle of amazing people into his life.
Bob was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. He lived on 7th Ave. North with his parents, his grandma Jake (Laura Jacobs), his sister Evelyn, and his brothers Clayton Jr. “Clay”, James “Jim”, and William “Bill” Jewell. He attended grade school at St. Gerard’s Catholic School and was a 1965 graduate of Great Falls Central Catholic High School. Most of his time growing up in Great Falls was spent playing in Kiwanis Park, playing in the yard, fishing on the Missouri river, hunting, playing football and softball, seeking out treasures, and getting into a little bit (or a lot) of mischief. He and his brothers commonly left the house in the morning and came home by dinner and their days were full of adventures. They didn’t have a lot of money, yet happily lived a simple life. Perhaps that is why Bob always cherished the simple pleasures in life most. A special treat meant walking down to Waugh’s Grocery where he and his brothers were patiently waited on by Mona, the store owner, while they decided what delicious candies they wanted to buy with their quarter. Bob had a close network of friends while growing up in Great Falls which he uniquely remained connected with throughout his entire life. Bob’s Great Falls friendships are something my dad everlastingly cherished.
Bob always valued hard work and took great pride in his amazing work ethic. When Bob became old enough to get paid to work, he began his first job at the Anaconda Copper Smelter where he worked until drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Bob then spent 416 life-altering days in Charlie Company 2/1 of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade and later in the Delta Company of the Divisions 4th/21 11th Infantry Brigade. Upon return from the Vietnam War, Bob went to college at Montana State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He became a spectacular Earth Science teacher at Helena Middle School in 1974 where he worked for 18 years. His animated lessons, live critters, and dedication to quality education made him a favorite teacher to countless students. His gifted ability to listen and guide led him to go back to Montana State University to earn his Master’s degree in Education to become a school counselor. Bob finished out his career at Helena High School as a school counselor and retired in 2002 after serving Helena youth for nearly 30 years. While attending Montana State University, Bob met Cynthia Vergine. They married in 1971 and were married 18 years. Bob and Cynthia raised their daughters, Sheri and Holly, in the Helena valley. As parents, they enjoyed simple times with their daughters like playing games, making up things to do, camping, fishing, hiking, going to the Oregon coast, and visiting family. Bob made conscientious efforts to teach his children a strong work ethic, the importance of preserving Mother Nature, the value of discovering and developing our creative and artistic abilities, to appreciate what we had, and most of all to treat each other with love and kindness. Other values he instilled in his children are to leave the world better than you found it, if you do a job to do it right, when someone is rude or unkind to try to remember there is usually a reason why, to be considerate and understanding, always be honest, and that love is the only way to change the world. He was always giving advice on how to live life fully and honorably. That fatherly advice was heeded and most of the time appreciated because we knew it was meant in the most loving way. Bob gained a son-in-law when Sheri married Michael Erhardt in 1996 and again in 2002 when Holly married Lawrence Gerstle (divorced). Bob was happy he was able to spend quality time getting to know Patrick Pozzi, Holly’s significant other. He was thrilled to be able to have someone to passionately watch football with and have “guy” talks. Bob became a “Boppa” (grandpa) in 2003 and was eventually graced with five very cherished grandchildren, Ava, Ella, and Ethan Erhardt, and Jayce and Drew Gerstle. His grandkids provided deep joy to his life. He loved being able to share with them his passions and wisdom. He bought his beautiful home in the Helena mountains so that there was a cherished place for his children and grandchildren to visit and create everlasting memories. His grandchildren were adored by Bob and they equally adored him.
Bob was a skilled competitor of games, a conscientious preserver of Mother Earth, a gifted artist, a celebrated teacher, and a competent squad leader. He loved his friends and family, passionate philosophical conversations, art, the outdoors, listening to music, competitive Scrabble and card games, watching football, and laughing. Since retiring, Bob enjoyed spending meaningful time with his many friends, cherished his children and five grandchildren, wrote a book on his Vietnam experience, artistically beautified his two homes in Helena, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was a true artist at heart. Everything from his career, to his works of art using various mediums, to his conversations and friendships, to raising his children were all works of artistry. He was a treasure to have in our lives. His endearing laughter and loving look in his eyes told of the genuine human he was.
Bob is survived by his children, Sheri Erhardt (Michael), Holly Jewell; his grandchildren Ava, Ella, and Ethan Erhardt and Jayce and Drew Gerstle; his brothers Clayton Jewell and James “Jim” Jewell; his niece Charlene Jewell and nephew John Jewell; numerous cousins; and countless special friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Bernita Jewell; grandmother Laura “Jake” Jacobs; sister Evelyn Muss, and brother William “Bill” Jewell.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 5, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the service
Friday January 5, 2018
social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Immediately following the reception
Friday January 5, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday January 5, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the service
Friday January 5, 2018
social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Immediately following the reception
Friday January 5, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Helena, Montana
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Bob Forsyth says
Mr. Jewell was the most influential teacher I every had. He was the standard by which I judged every other. His honest connection to each student could not be denied. I truly made it through school because of him. I never eat crab {or worms} with out thinking of him.
Steve & Linnea says
We met and knew Bob after be became a counselor at Helena High. He will always be remembered for his compassionate care of all students – he took an interest in everyone, a sincere and caring interest.
Bob talked a little bit to us about his Vietnam days, but some of the stories we remember the most was when he told us about his trips with fellow veterans to places like Peru. He went there one summer for about a month and he said that the fellowship he had with his fellow vets was just what he needed at that time.
Bob was a real renaissance man. While we lost touch with Bob after we left Helena High in 1993, he was among the staff members who we remembered as having a strong influence on the lives of students.
Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Nikki Washington says
One of the best teachers ever! Loved both him and his wife! Great people! Such kind and humble people. You’ll be missed by many Mr. Jewell! Thank you for being so influential! Sending prayers to all family and friends.
Loreen Robinson says
Bob was truly one of the finest purest souls to Bless this earth. I’m so grateful for the years of friendship and love ! He was so proud of his family and shared freely how much that love filled his heart! I will carry Bob in my heart with gratitude and a smile as his joy ful spirit he left with all who knew him can’t be diminished.
Bonnie Summers says
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jen Mitchell says
Best science teacher and mentor!!! I learned more in his class than any science I have ever been in. Great teacher with a huge heart!!!
Paul Bisom says
I had Bob for my Science Teacher in 7th grade. I still remember the passion he had for teaching and love for all of the students. I loved listening to his stories about Vietnam and all his adventures. We invited Bob to our 20 year class reunion as 1 of our Class of 1980’s favorite teachers. He showed up with pages of all the school pictures we had given him. I was so impressed that he had kept them for all those years. He told us that we were his 1st class he taught and it wasn’t supposed to be a life career but he enjoyed it so much he decided that was his calling. All of the students that had Mr. Jewell were truly blessed by the experience.
Julie Stinchfield DeMars says
Mr. Jewell will FOREVER hold a very special place in my heart. I loved him not only as my teacher, but also as my friend. I loved babysitting for his beautiful daughters and feel blessed that I got know both Bob and Cindy. I will never forget his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Heaven is a better place today. I am sending prayers for peace and comfort to the Jewell family. Rest in Peace, Mr. Jewell.
Tom Albrecht says
Bob was a kind soul who loved life and and taught his students to appreciate the world we live in. He was my colleague and friend at Helena High. I will miss him dearly. Prayers to his family and friends.
Marcia Wall says
My prayers and love to Sheri and Holly and their families. Bob was my brother-in-law for 18 years and then we worked together at Helena High School as counselors together from 1998-2002 whereby we both retired in 2002. A great story: Bob loved fishing the Missouri River and would brag on Monday about all the fish he caught and released. So, one Friday, I asked him to bring a couple little rainbows to the office. I loved trout! He did! So, he put them in the freezer which was located in the teacher’s lounge. That Monday, he kept telling me not to forget the fish…with a tootsie pop in my mouth, a handbag and briefcase hanging off my shoulder, I grabbed the fish with my only free hand. Someone had placed a small box in the path to the door and with fish in hand, I tripped and fell into the wall of mailboxes and knocked myself out. Two black eyes later…he said the two little fish probably caused the mishap because they should have been released. I never asked him again! Ha! He was a lot of fun to have in our Counseling Department because I of the many stories he shared. Before moving to Helena, I often stayed with Bob and Cynthia and once Bob told me not to be afraid if I heard a strange noise coming from underneath the guest bed. It was only a Boa Constrictor from his HMS science classroom that he brought Home during the summer. The snake was taken to a different location that night! Bob carried a letter I wrote with him to Heaven in case he ran into my son Cleve. I am forever grateful to Bob for this kindness. Thank you for giving me two beautiful nieces that I deeply love and thank you Bob for your service to our country and the years spent teaching and helping students find their way. God Bless you always! ♥️
Rod Steckler says
Thank you Holly & Sheri, for the beautifully written treasure you share with all of us. That’s exactly what it is for all of us who were/are so fortunate to have had any “Bob” experience enriching our lives, any time with such a warm and genuine Treasure. My wife and daughters have, so deservedly, expressed how we are all a little better for knowing and having the Jewel of the Jewells in our time here.
Hopefully, we’ll find him on the other side…what a fun-love’n guy.
Patty Yuhas says
Mr. Jewell was one of the greatest and most inspirational science teachers I ever had. I remember walking to his class with anticipation of the wonder and excitement of the lesson he was going to teach us every day. God bless and rest in peace Mr. Jewell.
Marnie Lewis says
Mr. Jewell was a fantastic teacher. My sympathy to all his family, and an extra hug to Sheri.
Connie Vergine says
Thank you Sheri and Holly for this loving and inspirational tribute to their father. My sympathies to these loving daughters….who are my beautiful nieces. It exemplifies their love and devotion, as well as their acceptance of who he was as a person in the world and displays his connection to other individuals in his world. My most heartfelt sympathy to Holly and Sheri and their children. It is extremely difficult to lose your father who is your hero from the time you are a little girl.
My memories of Bob are not memories of his professional life, but as a family member. He was my brother in law for many years, and as such my memories are more personal and from a different perspective. Bob was a perfectionist in all that he did and it showed whether he was building a room, practicing his guitar, playing Indian poker or scrabble or just giving his advice on any subject!!! 🙂 He spent many hours with my son, when he was young, taking him fishing, teaching him his philosophy of life and offering fatherly love as an uncle. My son said that he was more of a father figure than an uncle. For that, I am eternally grateful for the wisdom he instilled in my son and gave him the inspiration to be the man he is today.
Bob’s life was forever changed by the war in Viet Nam. His psyche was altered by the horrific events that he witnessed and he struggled with for too long. We need to take a moment and thank all Veterans for their service to our country. It is not fair for our soldiers to experience war and come home to a country that does not appreciate or acknowledge their sacrifice. I am glad that Bob was able to change other’s lives as a teacher and a counselor. As for his perfectionism, I have no doubt that Bob has entered into his eternal resting place, surveyed the situation, and has offered his insight and advice to the guardians of the Gates of Heaven.
God Bless you Bob. My prayers to all the family members and numerous friends that will miss him from our world.
Aprill Vickers says
Mr Jewell was one of my favorite teachers. I looked forward to going to Earth Science class everyday. He made learning fun and exciting.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Genie Goodman says
Another member of the old St. Gerard’s Gang has rejoined the group. Bob and my husband, Mike, were close friends all through grade school and high school, consequently, Bob became a friend to me as well. When they got together they would laugh about being the “crash test dummies” for all of Mike’s Dad’s inventions- go karts, tote goats, scooters, etc. They each had some skin in the game- literally! The standard line was “Thank God he never got into airplanes!!” Bob wrote us some of the most chilling letters I’ve ever read from Viet Nam. How could such an experience not alter one’s life? After he returned he came to Portland to visit and to shop for a CAR. He found his dream machine – a beautiful black muscle car, but his saved military pay was short by $50.00. Mike loaned him the money, causing an argument between us. $50. was a LOT in those days to poor college students! Mike never worried for a minute that Bobby would pay him back and he promptly did. When I stopped to see Bob in Helena several years ago, we laughed about that story and he commented on how he had loved that car. Our conversations were about many things he loved. His daughters and his grandchildren were at the top of the list. We shared remodeling tales- he loved his home,( I’ve wondered if he ever finished the waterfall and pond before moving.) He loved his childhood friends and hosted several gatherings for them and took them fishing. I heard about his students. He was pleased at how many of them came to see him when he broke his hip. He loved art and music- I owe my appreciation for “The Wailin’ Jennys” to Bob! As I listen to their music, I marvel at how much this man gave to his world and to ALL who knew him. I’m picturing the warm welcome he’s had from Mike, Doug, Clarke, Ferko and all the old friends and smiling at how lucky we all were to have shared their lives! RIP, Bobby~
Verne Brown says
Mr. Jewell was one of my favorite teachers in Jr. High. We were his first group and I can say I always looked forward to his class. My condolences to his family, he was a good man and will be remembered by those he came in contact with like me.
Tom Zadick says
Bobby had a smile and personality that could light up the room He was a true “Jewell”. He was and will always be, in my mind, a true hero who sacrificed so much for so many. We have been friends since high school, even closer friends at MSU. He inspired me from that time on to be a better person. Rest in peace.
Marla Duncan says
Mr. Jewell, Mom and I were just talking about you a couple weeks ago. I loved your Science class in 7th grade because of you. You will never be forgotten, and always loved by many. May you rest in peace and may your family find peace and understanding, and know you have touched countless lives in a positive way.
Alice Culbertson Klundt says
Bob went through St Gerards and Central with my sister Ellen Culbertson I was in Clayton’s class. We lived on 6th Avenue and visited Waugh’s often. Bob sounds like the most wonderful man and I wish I had known him as an adult. Our parish community was very close and the Jewell’s played a large role in it. Reading all the memories from his former students is so heartwarming.
Blessings on his entire family. You had a real Jewel.
C. M. Kirwin says
Mr. Jewell was my homeroom teacher at HJHS in 1977. I have thought about you many times over the years Mr. Jewell. I remember your stories about Vietnam, you capturing and raising those rattlesnakes and keeping them in a cage in class, and your openness to discuss almost any issue with a bunch of goofy 7th graders. You gave me a lifelong interest in science, in fact, I made my profession in meteorology. Thank you Mr. Jewell for the great memories and life lessons.
Marianne Moon says
Hi Sheri and Holly-I saw your Dad’s obituary in the newspaper and wanted you to know you are both in my thoughts! The obituary is beautifully written–I feel like I know a lot about him. He looks like he was a fabulous father. My sincere condolences. Marianne Moon
Jarrod O'Leary says
Mr. Jewell was one of the greatest science teachers I have ever had. My memories of his class were eating rattlesnake, fried worms, and his infamous sex ed session with the, “Write ANY question on the notecard.” And he answered all of them honestly and openly. I credit him as one of the main influences for my career as a scientist. He will be missed. Blessings to his family for their loss of this truly, honorable man. God be with you all!
Ron bartsch says
Mr Jewell was one of those teachers that made an impact. I find my self often over the years thinking back of him and things he did or said. Interestingly it wasn’t just science, thought he was passinate about and shared with his students, but it was those life skills that I best remember impacting me. Me Jewell was truly one of the good ones. Thanks Mr Jewell!!
Shanna Miller Carnley says
Mr. Jewell was such a wonderful teacher and more importantly, a magnificent human being. He gave this little seventh grader a great appreciation for nature and our part in caring for the environment. He had such a kind and gentle spirit. God bless you, Mr. Jewell ?
Lindi Rusek says
Mr. Jewel will always have a special place in my heart. He was one of those influential people that enter ones life and make a difference. He will forever be missed. My deepest condolences to his family. He was truly one of a kind.
William McCausland says
Mr. Jewell was one of my teachers when i was going to school at HJHS. I remember that he did indeed have a snake in the classroom.
Bruci Ann says
I am deeply sorry to learn of Bobs passing he was truly a beautiful soul. The beautiful words in the obituary brought so many memories of the Bob I remember. I knew Bob as a young girl in Great Falls and came to know him through my brother in law who worked with him at the smelter. We corresponded when Bob was in Vietnam Nam and that was my first experience with the war. I have not been in touch with Bob for many years but have thought from time to time and those thoughts always brought a smile to my face. He was was one of the good guys; a special man.
Alan Olsen says
I was in Mr Jewell’s class his Rookie year at Helena Jr. High. He was a wonderful teacher and inspired me to do my best. Our family sends our condolences to his family.
Bill Benjamin says
Mr jewell, was the greatest teacher I ever had in 7th grade, we put me on the right path for life and checked in on me through out the years.
He was very kind honest,caring and just the best guy you could ever know. “You will be my friend”.
Richard rutherford says
He taught about liife not just science. Long after I graduated we would talk about life events and reminisce about what we learned in school and how it played a roll on what we did in life.
Christina McKay says
Mr. Jewell was an amazing man. He had the kindness to listen to even the most trivial rantings of students, while gently leading them to find their own solutions. No possibility was impossible for his students. He would often remind them that anything was possible if they were willing to put in the hard work to achieve those goals. He would put these reminders in such a positive light that often student didn’t feel it as just lip service that was required by a councilor but his actual belief in their abilities. Even after he had retired and I ran into him in public, he was the same happy, caring man I was lucky enough to have in high school. Thank you to his family for helping create and support him, as this allowed him to pass that along to us lucky students. He will be truly be missed by many. My deepest condolences to all those of his family and loved ones.
Roberta says
Mr. Jewel helped me through a lot of hard times in high school. He was a great counselor and always knew how to make things better. I am truly sorry for your loss and he will be missed.
Leslie Stoll says
14535 Hellgate Lane
Ninebark
Leslie Stoll says
Mr. Jewell was a great influence and a wonderful soul. May your memories give you peace
Kevin Bartsch says
Not sure what happened to an earlier post, but wanted to be sure to add that Mr. Jewell was a great 7th grade home room science teacher some nearly 40 years ago. I recall some of the really fun, cool stuff we did including live rattle snakes and eating them and worms! I can’t even imagine a teacher now days attempting to pull off some of the really cool stuff we did as the norm in Mr. Jewell’s class. Beyond that I recall him as pretty soft spoken, but as they say,”‘still waters run deep” type of a person. I don’t think I perceived it fully enough as a 7th grade student what impact Vietnam may have had on him. However, I recall him willingly discussing some aspects of his experiences. He was a genuinely good guy and a great teacher. I wish our paths would have crossed more in later years so I could convey to him personally how strong his impact was on me and the likes of my generation of students was. (although it’s quite clear from these posts!) Also, I want to again extend my thanks to Mr. Jewell for his service to our country. He will not be soon forgotten. Rest in Peace!.
Betty Kennedy-Solberg says
Me. Jewel was one of my favorite teachers. He was able to really get everyone involved. He had that “leave no one behind” attitude. He understood my fear of snakes. When I think of teachers that impacted my life I think of him. He wasn’t only concerned about your intellectual learning but he was there to help you become a better person. We moved to the valley and his family became our neighbors. I loved living near his family, minus the boa sunning in the tree in the summer lol. His girls and my little sisters were very good friends, Amy, Erin, Bridgett and Pat and I all send our love and prayers.
Helene Moore D'Auria says
To say spectacular science teacher barely scratches the surface, as all these memorial from his students attest. I had Mr. Jewell for homeroom at the Jr. High the 1978/79 school year. That was the year my parents got divorced, and the year my beloved grandfather passed away. Mr. Jewell was a big part of why I survived that year. I don’t even know that he ever knew what I was dealing with, but he saw I was a kid who loved science and his class was often the reason I managed to get out of bed and walk into school. It’s almost 40 years and my kids have heard the rattlesnake story so often they’re sick of it. (“Yes, mom, we know. You ate rattlesnake. It would have been a lot cooler if you hadn’t wimped out on the worms!”) Just a few months ago I was telling my teenager about those sex ed question cards – how crazy and amazing it was that a middle school teacher in the 70s in conservative Montana said, “I will answer ANY question you have,” and did. His Vietnam stories were funny and entertaining when I was 12, and then, when I was older and understood better, left me amazed at what he must have gone through. He was a true light. Mr Jewell obviously touched many, many lives and I’m so sad to hear of his passing and will be thinking about his friends and family from out here in Los Angeles. <3
LeeAnne Hollow-Bennett says
What an amazing teacher! After all these years I still remember the excitement he brought to teaching! I am happy to say he touched my life!
Meg (Beveridge) Schnaderbeck says
On behalf of the whole Beveridge family thank you Mr. Jewell for touching our lives the way you did during our time at HJH. We hold you close in our hearts.
Lynne Holland says
Mr. Jewell was one of my favorite teachers. He made science fun. I’ll never forget him cooking rattlesnake, tho he couldn’t get me to try it!
He was a rock for me when things were crazy at home. Very sorry to hear of his passing, condolences to his family.
Russell Mallard says
Mr. Jewell was my favourite teacher! He was always more than a teacher, he was a friend! For me he was my best friend for the two years I was at HJH. I have never forgotten him and any time I saw him I made a point to see him, say hello and thank him for being a really caring teacher. I would always let him know that he made a difference in my life! My deepest condolences to his family, I know I will never forget him.
Relinda Justice Lindgren says
What a wonderful teacher Mr. Jewell was. I remember how I could not wait to get to his class each day. Eating rattle snake and worms and of course being chosen to hold one of the boa constrictors during class. Such great memories. I remember baby-sitting his daughters on several occasions before I could drive. He would drive clear out to MacDonald Pass to pick me up, take me all they way out to their home in the valley, then drive me home late again because he trusted me with his kids. Such a great teacher and person and one who will be greatly missed. Blessings to the family.
Jan Ciba Mohler says
Bob’s obituary is a moving testimony to the wonderful person he was … Bob obviously touched many lives and they became better persons for having known him. We were classmates at GFCCH and would visit at reunions. To the family … so sorry for your loss. I hope memories of good times can make you smile as you walk this difficult path.
John Beitzel says
Bob and I were in the Infantry together in Vietnam. When I arrived Bob was my squad leader. He had been there quite a while by the time I arrived. He took me under his wing and taught me everything I needed to know about survival in the war. We shared many a foxhole together where Bob told me to listen like you were “listening to the heartbeat of a worm.” I never forgot that metaphor because it was so appropriate. He was a teacher even back then in Vietnam. He shared his experiences of the war before I arrived. He had survived the battle of Kham Duc special forces camp, one of the worst in the war. His experiences motivated him to teach others especially the new guys as they arrived in country. He really cared about his squad mates and was proud that every one under his command returned home alive from Vietnam. Bob was a wonderful person with a generous spirit. I am thankful that I was able to see him one last time in recent weeks. I will always remember him. Peace to you Bob.
Svend Larsen says
PO Box 15
Svend Larsen says
To the Jewell family—my heartfelt sympathies to you. Bob was absolutely a great guy!!!……and a person of a most pleasant disposition. I always enjoyed his thoughts and reflections on many and varied topics. As someone else mentioned—he was a “jewel” indeed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Barbara Jarett says
Although I did not get the chance to meet “Bob” I feel that he has blessed me with a daughter (Sheri) who has followed your attributes of love and kindness. Thank you for your military service. May God wrap his arms around everyone during this journey. May you rest in peace.
With my deepest sympathy.
Barbara Jarett
Bruce Desonia says
I have only known Bob the last 20 years in Helena. I knew him as a true gentleman and as a friend he has been a mentor. I am not surprised at the significant impact he has made on so many students he has met during his teaching career. He was a great listener. My respect for his life deepened as he recently shared some of his horrific experiences in Vietnam. As he lived his life. he faced death with faith, grace and courage. My deepest sympathy goes out to Holly, Sheri and their families.
Niki Whearty says
Bob was a “seasoned” teacher by the time I started my own teaching career at HMS in 1976. I was shaken by how hard it was to teach everyday, day after day, in front of a crowded classroom of wild middle schoolers.
I came to Bob when it was time to sign my third contract to continue teaching in the Helena Schools. I told Bob that I didn’t have the courage to continue teaching. I felt like a real failure. Bob listened. He agreed that teaching was very challenging work. He urged me to sign my contract and commit to another year of teaching. After that he said I could decide one year at a time. I signed my contract and 33 More contracts after that. Bob’s encouragement of me when I was a fledgling educator determined the course of my life’s work. He believed in me at a watershed time in my career. I am deeply grateful to him. My work as an educator has been a source of lifelong fulfillment. It was Bob, with his compassion and wisdom, who kept me on the right path. Thank you, Bob. Thank you again and again.
Carol Ann Dietzen says
I must admit that I was surprised to learn of Bob’s passing. I had the good fortune to spend a few years as his colleague in Student Services at my Alma Mater, Helena High School. During this time, I was first struck by his easy manner, his good sense of humor, and his obvious ability to serve students as their guidance counselor. On one occasion, we four counselors travelled to Missoula to attend a conference there. During our trip over and back, I came to appreciate his openness about years of personal struggle following his Viet Nam experiences as a very young man. In reading his obituary, I was struck by his willingness to write a book about these years of service to our country. Through our shared experiences as guidance counselors, I considered myself lucky to get to know how very dedicated Bob was to his career in education. He was genuinely interested in students and faculty, and was an extremely good and focused listener. Bob’s passing is most definitely a tremendous loss, yet so many were fortunate to have known this kind and special man.
Daniel Andrade says
He was my home room and science teacher at HMS. He was a great teacher and a great man. Truly legendary.