Robert J. ‘Bob’ Redpath, age 83, of Helena

Robert James Redpath (“Bob”), age 83, of Helena, died on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  Bob died peacefully at his home of natural causes a month after a lengthy hospital stay at Fort Harrison due to complications from diabetes.

Bob was born in Helena, Montana to Gordon and Marion (Marshall) Redpath, April 5, 1940. He was the youngest child of the family, following half-sisters Shirley and Nancy.

Bob’s early life was largely spent in Kalispell, Montana, where his father worked various jobs, including managing a movie theater. Imagine the fun this provided for a young child; given the opportunity for easy access to any movie that came to town. The young family later made their way back to Helena where Bob attended Jefferson and Central elementary schools.

Bob’s love for all sports was developed during these youthful years. He was talented enough to play third base for the Helena Senators legion baseball team in the summer of 1957.  The following school year, he played linebacker and halfback for the Helena Bengals varsity football team. Bob also made the cut for the Bengals varsity basketball team, achieving the role of captain on the team during his senior season. Despite his captaincy, “Bengal Bob” understood his limitations on the hard court. He laughingly told the story throughout his life that legendary Bengal coach Lloyd Skor hollered at him during practice one day: “Redpath, I don’t know why I kept you!”

Bob graduated from Helena Senior High School in 1958. Five days after graduation, he left Helena on the train—destination Army basic training. During his six months of active duty, Bob was assigned duties on the firing range. Due to inadequate ear protection, Bob sustained severe hearing loss that would plague him for the rest of his life. Bob continued to serve National Guard (“weekend warrior”) duty until 1966, when he was honorably discharged. He was extremely proud to be a veteran and to have served his country.

In 1960, Bob married Sharon Sangray. There were two children born to this marriage:  sons Randall Robert and Tal Gordon, both born in Helena.

Bob attended and graduated from Montana State University. Following this, Bob worked for St. Peter’s Hospital and then the Montana Department of Institutions. While at the Department of Institutions, Bob participated in a project to develop the initial statewide budgeting & accounting system (SBAS). Bob later worked for Eastern Montana College in Billings, and in 1969, was hired as business manager of the College of Great Falls (now the University of Providence), a post he held until 1974.

During his Great Falls years, Bob’s love of sports evolved into coaching little league baseball, including the chance to coach his own sons. Bob had a knack for coaching and proved that he was a true student of the game. He coached and participated in league administration for eight consecutive years in Great Falls and Helena.

1974 marked a return to Helena for Bob and family, as he was hired by the Fiscal Services Bureau of the Montana Department of Health. He soon became Bureau chief, a job he held until 1981 when Department of Health Director, Dr. John Drynan, reluctantly accepted Bob’s resignation so that Bob could pursue his new professional passion: Fundraising.

With his outgoing personality and innate persistence (remember coach Skor), Bob had the tools to succeed at fundraising. He successfully held fundraising positions in Olds (Alberta), Walla Walla (WA), a 10-year stint at Saint John’s Lutheran Home in Billings (MT), and finally back to Helena in 1998, where he wound up his career as director of the Shodair Children’s Foundation before retiring in Classic Bob style at 3:03 pm on 3/03/03.

In his retirement years, Bob enjoyed seeking “treasures” at garage sales, keeping in touch with friends over coffee, and for a brief time, he owned a four-wheeler which he enjoyed with fellow adventure buddies. This ended when the four-wheeler won that rodeo. In 2016, Bob followed in his mother’s footsteps by taking up residence at the Eagles Manor in Helena, where he lived until his death.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his sisters Shirley and Nancy.  He is survived by his children’s mother (Sharon), his son Randall (Molly and her two daughters), son Tal (Tracie, her four sons and grandson), and by his grandson Nic (Jordan) Mitch, and granddaughter Andie (Kevin) Redpath. He will be missed by his cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by longtime friend Edie Witham, as well as many Eagles Manor residents.

Rest in peace, Bengal Bob. Private family services will be held.

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Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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