Robert “Bob” John Cinker, 81, of East Helena, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at St. Peter’s Hospital comforted by his wife. Bob was born January 3, 1933 to Steve and Mary (Mackanich) Cinker in Helena, Montana. He went to school in East Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1951.
Bob enlisted in the US Navy in January of 1952 as a machinist mate. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal and proudly served his country until honorably discharged in January of 1956. In March of 1956, Bob began a long career with Mountain Bell Telephone Co. as construction lineman until his retirement in March of 1986.
He married Mary Rita Hazelton Price on October 13, 1979. They enjoyed 34 years of happiness together; spending months at a time traveling in their travel trailer touring through Canada, North West Territories and Alaska. Bob was also a member of the trap club and enjoyed trap shooting for years. He also enjoyed fly fishing, tying his own flies made him a much more successful fisherman, and he never missed hunting season for over 60 years. Bob also a Member of VFW for 60 years.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Rita; his sister in-law Dorothy Hazelton and brother in-laws, Fr. James Hazelton & Leo Hiltner; stepson, Michael Price of Salt Lake; two step grandchildren, James Price of Chicago and Kathy (Price) Baxter & husband Dan of Helena; a great-grandson Jeremy of the USMC & wife Danielle of Jacksonville, NC; and a great-granddaughter Makayla of Chicago; as well as cousins and numerous friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Mary (Mackanich) Cinker and his sister, Katherine (Cinker) Hiltner.
A special thanks to Dr. Thomas Weiner MD, the staff of the Oncology Ward at St. Peter’s Hospital and the staff at the Cancer Treatment Center.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3rd at the SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena on 120 W. Riggs at 2:00pm. Viewing is available prior to mass between 12:30pm-2:00pm. Burial will follow the funeral services at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena. Coffee & cookies will be served after the burial back at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made as donations to the charities of your choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday March 3, 2014
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 3, 2014
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday March 3, 2014
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Social Gathering
Following the Burial
Monday March 3, 2014
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday March 3, 2014
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 3, 2014
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday March 3, 2014
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Social Gathering
Following the Burial
Monday March 3, 2014
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Mark Trenary says
Worked with Bob in the 70’s in construction for Mountain Bell. Always remember him as a hard working lineman with a great attitude and a hardy laugh. Rest in peace Bob.
Allen Chambers says
Bob was a great neighbor and friend of my uncle Albert Gorsich for many years. I was very lucky to know and visit with Bob in January when he was at St. Peters Hospital. You will be remembered.
Janeen Crane says
I met Bob in 1952 while he was in the Navy stationed aboard the U.S.S. Nortonsound docked at Port Hueneme, Ca. We became good friends a friendship that lasted over the years. Bob was a devoted husband to Rita, a true friend to many, a lover of Country music {especially Charlie Pride} and Montana’s beautiful mountains where he spent hours sitting in his truck watching the wild life when he wan’t able to hunt any more. Bob was a man of honor, a true gentleman a GENUINE CLASS ACT. You will always be missed. Rest Warm
Rick McCord says
Bob was the most honest man i have known. He was a great friend to my parents, my sisters and I. As a child i got to spend alot of time with Bob hunting and fishing. When i was about 11-12 He caught 56 brook in little over and hour from the swamp in the tizers. That was the day I decided that maybe, fly fishing was better than “drowning worms”. Thank you Bob for that lesson and many more great memories. You will be missed and always loved!
Linde McCord Hennessy says
For many years Bob was a treasured friend of my family. I have many fond memories of Bob sitting at the dining room table drinking coffee with my dad. I remember listening to their colorful and diverse conversations. Bob’s kindness, sense of humor and his belief in justice and honesty was contagious. Bob was a dedicated friend to my parents; after Dad passed he continued his frequent visits to Mom and was always there to offer help with anything she may have needed. You did not have to ask Bob for help, he asked you if you needed it. Mom never forgot his kindness and strength; she was always grateful for her loyal friend.
Bob and my dad spent many days at our cabin in the Tizers. They were in their confront zone being in the woods. Both of them taught us to love the wilderness and to be respectful and grateful for all that we had. Bob and Dad may have moved permanently to the cabin if they did not have wives at home.
The world has lost a great man; being in his presence made you want to be a better person. Thank you Bob for everything that you did for those you cared for and for what you meant to my family. We are all eternally blessed to have known you.
Ashley McCord Hennessy says
Bob was a long time friend of my grandparents (Duch and Richard McCord). As a young child I always remember Bob being around when I visited my grandparents. I think that Bob was the only bald man that my cousins and I knew, so we used to ask him why he didn’t have any hair. He would always tell us “The chickens pecked it all out! You better stay away from those chickens!” Then we would run away giggling. Bob was such a jokester with us kids. You will be missed Bob.