On the evening of June 20, 2015, Robert F. “Bob” Morgan, died in the arms of his wife, Gen. He was surrounded by 4 generations of his loving family.
Bob was born August 20, 1929 in Helena, Montana to John P. and Catherine Morgan. He spent his early childhood at Stansfield Lake in the Helena Valley.
Bob attended school at Warren, Bryant and Central Schools. He graduated from Helena High School class of 1947.
In the fall of 1948, Bob married his “bride”, Genevieve Basti. This September would have marked 67 years together.
On Bob’s 20th birthday in 1949, their first child, Jeanne was born, followed by Bob in 1951, Tim in 1955, Tom in 1957 and Susan in 1963.
Bob is recognized as a noted Montana Western Artist and Historian His career included design and display at Fligelman’s Department Store, assistant curator, curator and acting director of the Montana Historical Society. He was also involved in planning and design for various museums in Montana and Arizona.
He was also employed for a number of years by the Montana Army National Guard. His military service included 1946 to 1947 in the U.S. Navy Reserve and 1947 to 1967 in the Montana Army National Guard.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved the Carroll College Saints and Helena High Bengals. He was a staunch supporter of all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s various activities.
He was a lifelong member of the St. Helena Cathedral Parish, the Elks Club, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was co-founder of Northwest Rendezvous of Art with Jack Hines, fellow artist, who died the same evening as Bob. He was blessed to “ride into the sunset” with one of his best friends.
He is survived by his children, Jeanne (Mike), Bob (Carl), Tim (Colleen), Tom (Jean) and Susan (Dana); grandchildren, include, Rick, Drew, Jon, Josh, Sarah, Mary, Joe, Katie, Erin, Pat and Anna, and 14 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Roy and Jim and baby sister, Anna.
Memorials are suggested to: Montana Historical Society, 225 N. Roberts Helena, Montana 59601; Montana Talking Books Program, 1515 East 6th Avenue Helena, Montana 59601 or to the Dialysis Unit C/O St. Peter’s Hospital 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601.
To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Bob please visit below.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Thursday June 25, 2015
Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Thursday June 25, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Row
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Thursday June 25, 2015
Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Thursday June 25, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Row
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Doris Romanisko says
My condolences to Gen and all of his friends…and a sincere thank you, Bob, for saving so much of Helena’s history through your art.
Kim Brown says
Mine and my family’s condolences to your entire family. I remember all the laughter Bob brought to Mom while working at the Monanta Historical Society. Also all the good conversation between our families. I’m shocked and saddened.
Kim Brown
Rupert Tobosa and Liz Paladin Tobosa says
Dear Gen and family,
Our hearts ache for your loss. Bob will always be remembered with fondness. He lit up this world with his humor and kindness. Thank God he was a part of our lives. It was our privilege to have known him.
Our Sympathies,
Liz and Rup
Kennon Baird says
Mr. Morgan’s art will continue to illuminate Montana’s history and spark imaginations for generations to come.
Bob Gilbert says
Thanks Bob for all your artistic work which
Will be shared forever. Thankful to have known
You. Condolences to Gen and family. I believe
Bob Morgan was another Charlie Russell
Hugh McWhorter says
A number of years ago Bob Morgan led a tour of the Charlie Russell paintings at the Montana Historical Society. Mr. Morgan’s insights into Russell’s genius were profound and entertaining. An extremely intelligent man who was blessed with a delightful sense of humor. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to hear him speak. Heart felt condolences to the family.
Vicki Barbeau says
It was an honor to have known Bob. He was a special friend of my dad’s, Eddie Barbeau. He will be truly missed.
Nathan Dudley says
Bob painted my grandfather a antelope many years ago while having lunch when they were both stationed at Ft. Harrison. I have that wonderful painting framed. I feel honored to have that in my house. He was such a nice man!
Nancy Stone Streett says
Such a kind, gentle, humble man! A great artist who shared with others!
Corky Hull says
my deepest sympathy Gen and all the family. Bob was a dear friend, a boss, a comrade in arms and one of the greatest people I have ever known. In the early years, he was my mentor during Guard drills and I learned so much from him. His artistic talent was so huge and the things he could do with simple items was wonderous. I loved him like a brother and Montana and the rest of the world will miss this wonderous person.
Andy Nickol says
Please accept our family’s most sincere condolences. Bob’s life is an iconic representation of the best this world has to offer. His art speaks volumes to the embodiment of goodness through love, family and community. We were blessed to have shared this space with him. Faith, hope and love for all of the Bob Morgan family.
Sioux Butler-Roth says
Gen and family:
Bob was a true treasure, of the treasure state. Bob was such a gifted artist, and his knowledge of art, and personality was super, at promoting and keeping Montana history alive. Such a generous soul, with enthusiasm for life. May peace and blessings surround you and your family during this time. The boys in the class of “47” are warmly welcoming Bob, to the new team.
Severtson Family says
Love and condolences to the family.
Claudia Bielenberg Thorsrud says
I remember visiting Mr. Morgan with my father, Marc, many times, during the organization of Montana’s Centennial Train, and thereafter at the Museum. He was a gem!
Cathy Burwell says
Condolences to Gen and the family – I feel to blessed to have known Bob ever since coming to Helena in 1999 – he was an amazing man who did so much for Helena in his lifetime. He was a great friend to the Helena Chamber and supported it through many paintings done for the organization. What a true gem Bob was not only for Helena but for Montana! A great, great man – now he will be “painting” the heavens with his renewed vision eternal! Love and prayers!
Patty Kind Wallace says
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. The class of 1947 has lost another stalwart
member. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Dennis L House says
My condolences to the family; I’m sorry for your loss. Bob always acknowledged a Hello to him and a firm handshake. He worked with my Grandparents at the old Fligelman’s years ago. His paintings of the many Helena areas and building leave fond memories and a legacy for those who never got to see the old Helena as we knew it. Thank you for that Bob, and may you RIP.
Lorretta Lynde & Bob Fusie says
It is with sadness and smiles that we think of Bob today. He was generous to a degree that is seldom seen, and that generosity was, in turn, a gift to the Helena community and to the state of Montana. In addition, the family that Bob and Gen raised have continued his tradition of dedication, and that is the true indication of what he taught. Thank you, Bob, for all you did. Condolences and prayers to the family.
Pat Robinson says
Love and peace to the family. He will never be forgotten- not just for his wonderful art but also for the family that carries on his legacy. We have been gone for so many years, but his pictures have remained a valued connection to home and Helena. He will be missed.
Margaret Woo says
To Gen and the entire Morgan family,
We will all miss Bob and the twinkle in his eye he always had. I had the great pleasure of sitting next to him at a meeting at the Civic Center while working on the Western Rendezvous. He was doodling at the edges of his notepad, and at the end of the meeting had produced a beautiful little illustration. He would use the same note pad at each meeting, so he had pages of wonderful drawings. Oh, and he did take a few notes as well, but not many! He was delightful company and a great artist, historian and story teller.
Mary Lou Garrett says
We lost a talented artist, but to me he was my neighbor for 28 years. He drew pictures for the kids when they were little, always smiling and so helpful as a neighbor. Great Guy, who will
be missed by many, but mostly his wonderful family.
John and Kathy Ramirez says
Gen and family,
How much our family treasured sharing a story or two with Bob after a Cathedral Mass on Sunday mornings. What a wonderful joyous love of life and love of Montana he shared with all who were fortunate enough to know him. What beautiful memories, captured in paintings, he leaves for generations to come. A man of faith, a man of talent, a man of genuine character and kindness, generous without limit, a great example of a life well-lived. We are blessed to have known Bob, and to know so many of his family. Our family will keep your family in our prayers in the coming days. May Bob’s soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Judy and Leonard Ober says
Jeannie and Family
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I will keep all of your family in my prayers.
May he rest in peace
Evelyn Knowles says
My prayers are with the Morgan family.Mr Morgan was an interesting man to listen to and visit with.I’m glade that he choose to share his work with all of us. We will all miss his stories and paint of colors.
Veryl Goodnight says
I have known Bob for over forty years as one of the many artists who benefitted from his tireless and selfless efforts to create the wonderful NWR art show. My deepest sympathy goes out to Bob’s family. Know that many, many of us are feeling the loss of this great man.
Debbie Munzenrider says
Dear Gen and Family
Jim and I are so sad to hear about your loss.
You are in our hearts . May God
Hold you in his arms and Gide you through your
Tough times . . He is now
In heaven with old Buddy Boy drawing pictures
for him on napkins love Debbie Jim Munzenrider
Deanna Johnson says
Dear Gen and Family,
Don and I just learned of Bob’s “riding into the sunset.” What a blessing he was to so many here in Helena and elsewhere. I am especially grateful to him for the wonderful support he provided to the Holter Museum of Art our first years. He and his other volunteers graciously spent many hours hanging the paintings. The Helena exhibit he curated brought in thousands of visitors. Bob, always with a smile and happy to share his talents.
Know that Don and I send our love and sympathy to each of you.
pam lund says
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful artist.
Julie and Tom Miller says
Dear Bob, and family,
Tom and I send our thoughts and prayers to each of you. We still have the carousel horse your Dad drew for the junior prom at Helena Central. We are so sorry for your loss, and treasure the “Bob Morgan” cathedrals that hang in our home.
Sandy Scott and Trish says
So sad to know that Bob and Jack are gone. My friend Bob, “The Crown Jewel of Montana” will forever be remembered for his humor, wit, and beautiful paintings of his beloved Montana. And Jack, such and great artist and an inspirational writer. We all have the memories, don’t we? I’ll never forget modeling Bob’s portrait at the quick-draw in Helena. He had me laughing so hard, I could hardly work! Ginger Renner said his beard looked like “frost on a horse turd” and it just broke everyone up. Those were good times and Bob and Jack were at the core of what was and is the most fun of all art shows that have ever been. Both of these fine men will be greatly missed. Sandy
paula crutcher dreyer says
To the whole Morgan family: my thoughts and condolences to you. You are so fortunate to have so many wonderful memories that will never go away . I have fond ones from years ago! Love and hugs to all.
Peggy Davis Tate in Bozeman says
To Gen and all Bob’s Family……I am distant cousin of Bob and remember him from our childhood. We lived in Townsend and Bob, brothers and parents would often drive to visit us on Sundays. I have admired Bob and his accomplishments and his art all these many years. The accolades and beautiful testimonials from his friends and all the public testify to Bob’s kindness and generous spirit. My sincere sympathy to all of your family. With caring love, Peggy Tate. May Bob rest in peace…
Brian and Linda Cockhill says
To Gen and family and friends – I was just a Butte know-it-all when I first went to work at MHS. What a great welcome he extended to me. I was immediately comfortable. Bob and I were great friends from then on. He helped me and the Society so much in my time there that it would be futile to try and list them. Helena has lost it’s greatest citizen. Montana, too, has very few to compare. Kind, good humored, generous. He was all of that. I will truly miss him. Now you can paint the sunsets for us.
Pat Ryan says
Dear Bob Morgan family,
I am very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. My granddaughter was visiting Carroll College when the painting of Reason Through the Light of Faith was unveiled. Many years since I had seen Bob but he remembered me. I have a copy of that painting and my late husband Bud bought several of Bob’s paintings which I treasure all of them.
My love and sympathy to all of you
Christine Morgan Read says
Words are always so hard at a time like this. We will all miss Bob dearly. I am thankful that we will be reunited in Heaven for an eternity with Bob. I am also thankful that the 3 brothers Jim, John and Bob are all now peacefully together again sharing joyful time together. We know that Bob made the most out of his lifetime, enjoyed and loved us all. To Gen and all of the children, my thoughts and condolences go with you now with warm wishes to you all for the very best life can bring here in the future.
Laura Robb says
What an honor and a pleasure it was to meet Bob and work with him through the Western Rendezvous of Art. Born on a sunny day! My condolences and best wishes to his family and all of those who loved him.
Rev. Richard G. Francesco, Saint Mary Catholic Community says
Prayers and condolences to Gen and all the Morgan family. A Mass for Bob’s intention will be offered at Saint Mary.
Mary Ellen Earnhardt says
Mr. Morgan did a workshop at the historical society for children. My daughter participated in one of those workshops. Mr. Morgan observed her work and asked around “whose daughter does this young girl belong to?” I raised my hand and he pulled me aside and said to me ” this child is a natural what ever you do not have her take lesson just let her be”. While I had pressure from my friends to put her in art lessons, I took Mr. Morgans advise. I had a mother tell me I was a horrible mother for not letting her take art lessons. I remembered what Mr. Morgan said and let her be. Years later her while she was a senior at Helena High I had one of her pictures frame. It was one she drew of her dog Sam. She drew it from her heart and the Ghost Art Gallery called me up to ask who the artist was and I told them my daughter, they did not believe me. When I picked it up Mr. Morgan was dropping some items off and I was able to show him the picture. His advice to me let my child be a kid and explore her own talents. Today she is a successful industrial Art designer for Burtons snow Board company. He will never know the part he played in her life. I thank God for people like Mr. Morgan who made a difference in my daughters life. God Bless you all and Thanks for letting him share his talents with others.
Julie Pedersen Smith says
Dear Morgan Family,
We were so lucky to grow up in a place where we were surrounded by caring parents, who were ever watchful for our well being. How welcoming the Morgan home was to so many of us. The Pedersen family sends our prayers and caring thoughts,
Blanche, Julie, Jane and Jody
Concetta and Len Eckel says
Please accept our condolences in this time of sadness. Bob was such a vibrant part of our community and will be missed. Peace be to all of you, his loving family.
Concetta & Len
FayDee Hamilton says
To Jeanne and the entire family I extend my sincere sympathy. Bob was an amazing artist, a kind man and one of the true gentlemen of his time. His wonderful smile will be greatly missed. Helena has lost a legend and Montana has lost a treasure.
Steve Kasperick says
I want to offer my deepest condolences. I worked for Bob in the late 60’s when I was going to Carroll. I observed first hand his curator skills and knowledge of art. Many memories of good times, and my inspiration for western art.
mary kunnary says
To Gen and family – I worked at Carroll College for many years and during that time Bob helped us out during the Auction. He was a very generous man. Also a very talented person. The Helena community will miss him, however, he has left behind many great and wonderful memories. God’s blessings.
Matt & Mary Kunnary