Robert “Bob” Simkins, 78, husband, father, grandfather , great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away Thursday May 19, 2016 surrounded by his family at home after a courageous battle with liver disease.
Bob was born March 19, 1938 in Lewistown, Montana to Leslie and Marguerite Simkins and graduated from Harlowton High School in 1956. After graduation he moved to Helena to take a job with The National Guard. In 1959 Bob started at the Federal Reserve Bank in the Check Department as a clerk and advanced over 39 years ultimately retiring as Director of Cash and Support Services in 1998. Bob was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. He served as a member of the employee club and could always be counted on to assist the retirees whenever they needed a ride to bank functions and for a number of years he used his personal vacation time to hand deliver Christmas candy.
Bob married Marlene Opitz on October 3, 1959 and remained happily married for 56 years. They were blessed with 5 children: Larry, Tim, Randy, Lisa and Lori.
Bob was very involved in his children’s lives; from Boy Scouts of America, to Campfire Girls, to band concerts, and watching sporting events. He continued his commitment by supporting his grandchildren’s events traveling for hours just to watch them compete. Bob was proud of his family and would always keep everyone informed of their accomplishments. Upon retirement, he extended his love of community service by volunteering at St. Peters Hospital, while continuing his work with Helena Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America and Cathedral of St. Helena. He held a variety of positions in the Lions Club, ultimately serving as District Governor and was presented the District Governor Excellence Award and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Bob also received the Bronze Bear from the Boy Scouts of America and the Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year award for his dedication to his workplace and community. He was endearingly known as “Grumpy” by his fellow Lions.
Bob and Marlene enjoyed traveling throughout Montana, the United States and Canada. They took bus tours, cruises and countless trips to visit family. He will always be remembered for greeting everyone with a friendly smile and a hello, extending a helping hand and making everyone he met feel like a friend.
He is proceeded in death by his parents; sisters and brother- in- laws Evelyn and Bud Hay; Betty and Carol Lieberg; Patrica “Jim” and Pat Quinn and sister Shirley Reardon.
Bob is survived by his wife Marlene Opitz, his children Larry, Cara, Taylor and Morgan Simkins of Missoula; Tim, Kathy, Kameron, Jordan and Kodi Simkins of Bozeman; Randy, Wendy, Jake, Kaylee, Jared and Matt Simkins of Butte; Lisa, Alan, Levi, Niki, Jesica and Abbie George of Helena; and Lori, Lew, Brenna and Wil DeMarois of Missoula and great grandson Easton. He is also survived by his siblings Les (Kim) Simkins, Clint (Karen) Simkins and brother-in-law Joe Reardon as well as numerous in laws, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Hospice nurses Lynae and Jessica. Special thanks to Jim Lieberg, family members and the Highland street neighborhood for always being willing to lend a helping hand.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday May 24rd, 2016 from 12-6 pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A vigil will be held at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday May 25th, 2016 at 12:00pm at The Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street with a reception to immediately follow at the lower level of the Brew House, 939 Getchell Street . Cremation will follow the service with a private burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Cathedral of St. Helena, Lions Club Foundation (PO Box 1077 Helena, MT 59624); Bob Simkins Memorial Fund, Boy Scouts of America Montana Council, 110 E. Broadway 4th Floor, Missoula, MT 59802, or to a charity of your choice.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolence to the family or share a memory of Bob.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
After the Mass
Wednesday May 25, 2016
The lower level of the Brew House
939 Getchell Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 25, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Reception
After the Mass
Wednesday May 25, 2016
The lower level of the Brew House
939 Getchell Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Dorothy Bridges says
Larry, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Laura Whale says
I remember Bob always making his morning “rounds” at the Fed to say good morning to everyone before he started his day. We sure knew when he was on vacation as everyone would be asking where he was! He will be missed!
Tom Naegele says
Marlene and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all with Prayers of Love and support on your loss. Bob’s Love of Family & Community always inspired me to be better.
Bob ” Grumpy ” is a True Blessing & Mentor in my life. Sharing many a time, story and laughter through the years…especially selling light bulbs & brooms and other events with the Helena Lions. A finer Man and Friend would be tough to find. The struggle is over and he can share a good laugh with my Dad in Heaven
Doug and Deb Kralicek says
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing. Always smiling and helpful when I would stop by St. Pete’s to get the hospital list. He would always mention the grandkids and you knew how proud of being a grandpa he was. Bob always had a kind word to say. Thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Dear Marlene and Family- We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I worked many years with Bob at the Fed and he was always a very pleasant person. Our thoughts and prayers to all of your family
Chuck eubank says
Dear Larry it’s always a tough thing during these times our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. All the best Chuck
Rob Freistadt says
So sorry to learn of your loss. The ethics this gentleman instilled in his daughter, Lisa, is a testiment to what he was able to contribute. She and her family are the essential fabric that has held a whole school community together during very challenging times. We are grateful for all the gifts he has given us.
Sam Gane says
Marlene, Larry and the rest of Bob’s family – you have my most heartfelt condolences. I will be forever grateful for how welcome he made my family and me feel in the bank and community when we moved to Helena so long ago. Bob was truly a man with a heart of gold and I will miss him.
John & Betty Brewer says
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing but know that now he is in Heaven and no longer in any pain or suffering. Our hearts and prayers go out to the whole family. Bob was a very kind and compassionate man who was loved by many. Our prayers for comfort, peace and beautiful memories will continue.
Dawn and John North says
Dear Mrs. Simpkins and Lisa, we will really miss the call at Christmas from Bob to sell us oranges and grape fruits for the Lions club! He always kept us on the list never forgot us. I also remember buying a broom from him and have wished the Lions still sold them. Buying the fruit from Bob was like buying from a very special friend. He always made sure that they were delivered on time and that you were satisfied! Come Christmas we will miss that call, but his place in our hearts will always be there. Love, Dawn and John North
debra higgins says
marlene and family i am so sorry and sad for you as to the loss of bob. my thoughts and prayers are with you all. i pray as the days go by peace will come to your hearts and the memories bring smiles to all of you. debra higgins
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Sending prayers and hugs to all of you
during this difficult time…
Ann Curlee says
Oh, Marlene and family, how you are going to miss this outgoing, fun loving, friendly as can be guy. I remember Bob as the picture shows as always having a smike on hus face making me laugh. Every time I ran into Bob and Marlene out walking, he would have something funny to say. I am so sorry he had to leave us at such a young at heart guy. You are in my thoughts and nightly prayers. Love you, Marlene, Ann
Shelley Olson says
Know how sad I am for all of you. It’s so hard to lose a parent. That space in the world can never be filled. Sending you blessings of peace and comfort, Shelley Olson
John Johnson says
My sincere sympathy to you, Marlene and your family. Bob was a blessing to work with and a very close friend. He touched so many lives in a positive way at the Bank, in the Helena community and far beyond. He was a wonderful gift from God to all of us.
Paul Drake says
Marlene and family, my sincere condolences. I enjoyed working with Bob and knowing him for many years. He was a wonderful mentor, a proud family man, hard working, community minded, and a man of high integrity. He made a positive difference to many many people at the Bank and beyond. He will be missed.
David Myles says
Thoughts and prayers for the Simkins family. Bob was a fantastic leader through Boy Scouts. Helped all of us grow into the fine young men we are today. You will be missed.
Kori R. Dee says
Steve and I offer our condolences and prayers for all the family. We especially send you, Marlene, a big hug. How we will miss Bob greeting us in the back of the Cathedral. We lift you all up in prayer.
Dan Moore says
Larry and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I have many fond memories of our scouting time together. He was such a fine leader. After his scouting days I so enjoyed occasionally bumping into him around town and updating each other on our families. He was always genuinely happy and pleasant to visit with. I’ll miss is hearty handshake a bright smile.
Randy Newman says
Larry… Please accept my sincerest condolences for your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. It is always hard to lose a parent and learning more about your father and his wonderful life and family, I know that you have many fond memories to help you during this time.
Jack & LeeAnn Berry says
Marlene and Family,
Bob lived much of his life in service to others, truly living out the motto of Lions Club International “We Serve”. Bob also served others with a smile and was an inspiration of service for our family, the Lions Club, the Cathedral and St. Peters Hospital. He always had a kind word and shared in our joys and comforted us in grief. Thank you for sharing Bob with us and may God Bless You and be with you in your time of sorrow and may memories of Bob continue to bring you a smile as it will us. Jack, LeeAnn, Megan & Jamie Berry
Fred and Patti Verzani says
Simkins family . . . our sincere condolences for the loss of a remarkable man. Early in our Montana days Bob was there to walk us through Scouting adventures and the Lion’s Club functions as a mentor and respected friend. There can be no comparison to his smile and handshake always shared. We share your loss. Fred and Patti Verzani family
Becki Smith Currey says
Bob supervised my sister, Debbie Smith, in the check department for many years. He accommodated her disability to allow her to perform her job duties long before the law required it. He was a kind and very caring person. Debbie was so grateful to work with him.
Tom and Mary Altmaier says
Our sincere condolences to one of the nicest families in Helena..
Kathy Hamill says
Marlene and family,
Sorry to hear of Bobs death. I always enjoyed his smile and warm greeting when running into to him. He was so well suited to making people comfortable at the hospital. Please know you are in my prayers.
Julie says
Dear Randy and Tim and Larry i’m sorry about your dad he was a good uncle to me I miss him alot he is in a good place in heaven with his five sisters. He was a Wonderful uncle to me my sister Janet my sister Jeannine my two brothers John and Jim. I know how you feel to lose a patent I feel the same way my self. He was a good father all five of you and a good husband to your mother your dad is in good hands with God right now your in my prayers Jesus loves you and so do I your cousin Julie
Lisa Thompson says
A wonderful, caring man, who share his compassion with patients, staff and nurses. Bob would visit the ED many days to ask how we were doing and to check on family while they waited for loved ones. Greeted everyone with a smile and kindness that could reassure many-that everything would be ok. Thank you for sharing your life with so many..
Brad and Bo Miller says
Marlene and family:
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a nice man and we are grateful we were able to have Bob and you plus Lisa and Allen in our lives when we lived in Helena. He will be missed.
Carolyn Pelletier says
To the Simkins Family – So very sorry for your loss. I remember Bob from many-a-moon ago when I worked at the Federal Reserve Bank. I remember he was always kind and had a good sense of humor. I know you have many wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time. Bob will be missed.