Dad’s Life
On April 10, 2023, Robert L. “Bob” Marks, 91, passed away at his home in Clancy, MT with grace and peace.
Bob was born in Helena, MT, the second son of Merle and Evelyn Marks on January 11,1932.
Bob was raised on the family ranch in Clancy, attending grade school there and then going on to high school in Boulder at JCHS. He learned his work ethic from his father at a young age, taking care of draft horses, threshing grain, milking cows, putting up hay, and the many other duties of ranch life. After attending University of Montana and Montana State, Bob decided that higher education was not for him and pursued a career of ranching full time. He got married to his bride Barbara Myles in 1951 and started his family of six children. Bob loved ranch life, being outside and enjoying nature, but this alone could not support his family. He continued to use the old sawmill his father had put together for cutting mine timbers and construction work in the early 1900’s and began harvesting logs and then cutting lumber for his home and ranch buildings while also selling lumber as a side business. Bob divided some properties in the Clancy and Lump Gulch areas that were not suitable for ranching, and constructed homes on them. He astutely watched for land deals on neighboring properties to his existing ranch holdings and purchased them when they became available, thus making his cattle capacity for the ranch more manageable.
Bob loved his community and at an early age started volunteering his time in different ways. He was a member of the Clancy Volunteer Fire Dept. for 41 years and served on the Clancy and JCHS school boards for a combined 20 years. He was a lifelong member of Clancy United Methodist Church and spearheaded and built additions to the church over the years. Bob was a member of the Boulder Masonic Lodge and was also a Shriner.
After developing people skills on school boards, Bob chose to enter politics and in 1968 ran a successful campaign for the state legislature in his home house district which included Jefferson, Broadwater, and Meagher counties. For the next twenty years, Bob represented this district, while holding Republican leadership positions, Speaker Pro Tempore, Minority Whip, Republican Leader and two terms as House Speaker. During this time, he also chaired the Western District of the Council of State Governments and got to know a lot of other legislators and leaders across different states. In 1989, newly elected Governor Stan Stevens appointed Bob to head the Department of Administration. Throughout his political career Bob learned the art of compromise and gained the friendship of hundreds of people on both sides of the aisle.
In 1982 Bob and Barb thought it would be a good idea to have a small bar and restaurant in Clancy. They built the Legal Tender Cafe and had a good friend, Bob VanDyke, manage it.
After retirement from state government in 1993 Bob still desired to support his community and involved himself in leading the newly established Jefferson County Local Development Corporation for six years. He was honored to serve as a director for the First Boulder and First Madison Valley Banks for ten years.
Bob liked to reminisce about past history, and due to his excellent memory and quick wit, was able to share interesting and fun details with his family and also the Clancy community.
He was involved in a development and construction group, Spring Creek Company, a group of friends that bought and sold properties in the Helena area. Bob and Barb spent a couple of months each winter traveling with their Clancy friends to Arizona until Bob got the itch to come home.
He was a woodworking extraordinaire and could be found in his woodshop building cabinets, tables, and furniture of all kinds for his family and friends. Bob loved gardening and always took pride in his produce that he shared willingly with everyone.
Bob had many good times traveling, camping, horse packing, and river floating with his wife, his children and his grandchildren.
As Bob’s campaign slogan would state “Make your mark for Marks”, Dad certainly left his mark with his family – wisdom, integrity, work ethic and love.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Merle and Evelyn, his Aunt Myrtle, brother Doug, and an infant grandson Dallas.
Survivors of Bob include his wife Barbara, son Bob “RD”(Andi), daughter Beverly Miller (Denny), sons Gary (Debbie), Steve (Laura), Rick (Jane), Chris (Punkin), grandchildren Justin (Dawn), Clancy (Jennifer), Brian Miller (Amy) Kerri Potts (Steve) Kail (Emily), Kyrie Russ (Timm), Krista Weis (Clint), Jamie Stearns (Morgan), Cody (Christie), Tyson and Hayden. Additionally,19 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and two unborn babies on the way.
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Clancy Volunteer Fire Dept, 1 Railroad Way, Clancy, MT 59634, Clancy United Methodist Church, PO Box 30, Clancy, MT 59634 or Montana Wood Products Association Scholarship fund PO Box 1967, Missoula, MT 59806. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to live stream the service, offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bob.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 pm.
Monday April 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday April 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 pm.
Monday April 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday April 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Bonnie says
Steve, Laura and family. We are so sorry hear of Bob’s passing.
Clark’s
Mary Kay & George Bennett says
Barb & family:
We always liked Bob and enjoyed his company..as you know, George served in the legislature with him.
You both were kind, gracious and generous when you welcomed us into your home for lovely meals.
I am so sorry..RIP Bob.
Terry w Bass says
Wonderful person. Rest in Peace. Thanks for your kindness and support over many years.
Vanessa Tolson says
Barb and family, Bob was a greatly guy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck and Vanessa Tolson
Marci & Steve Lynn says
Dear Barb and Family,
Even though expected, we are never ready to say goodbye to those who have meant so much to us. Bob was my boss in the 90s during his stint with the Dept. of Administration. There are too many attributes to mention that made him an outstanding boss and mentor. The fact that we remained good friends til the end says it all. Bob, we will miss your wisdom & insight, mischievous pranking, pinochle games, political discussions, etc. God bless the Marks’ family with his peace and love.
Leslie Olsen says
Aunt Barb and family,
We were all very sad to hear that Uncle Bob passed. His obituary is a wonderful biography of his life.
I always looked up to Uncle Bob and loved him a lot. You are all in our prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Leslie and Daryl Olsen
Dave Anderson says
Gary, Steve and families,
My condolences to all of you. I liked your dad. He was always willing to share his thoughts and wisdom with me when I was a commissioner. I always respected and appreciated that about him. May he rest in peace.
Dee Strizich says
So honored to work for him at DOA. He was so supportive and kind. Hold onto the sweet memories of Bob. They will help you through this hard time. Bless you all. We were lucky to have known him
Lea Anne and Tim Combs says
Bob was one of the good guys and Montana was a bigger, happier place, with him in it! Lea Anne and I send our greatest sympathies to the magnificent Marks Family.
A Lump Gulch Lady says
Will miss seeing Bob in his side by side making rounds of the neighborhood, taking the time to do visual checks, caring enough to be sure that all is well. I have often appreciated that about Bob. Feels good when someone is watching out for their neighbors and the land they all share. We have the sweetest little sitting area in our hood and the creek, w/ a sitting bench in the sunshine that draws all ages to its loveliness. Young families arrive there for nature’s comfort and to swim some very lucky kiddos and dogs ❣️ Surely Bob is to thank for this ongoing gift. I’ll keep an extra good eye out too Bob. I will let your family know if I see anything that needs attention 👍🏻
Karole Lee says
My heartfelt thoughts are with the Marks famiy during this difficult time. Bob and I not always saw the same politically, but I always had a lot of respect for him. We did share may similar likes, such as birding and nature, and I was always amazed at his historical knowledge about Clancy and the surrounding areas. I’m sure Bob will be missed by his large family.
Dave Lewis says
My first Session was 1974. I was the executive budget analyst for a budget sub committee. Bob was on the Committee. It was before the Legislative Fiscal Analyst so we had to present the Governors Budget and serve as committee staff. Bob kindly taught me the ropes and kept me mostly out of trouble. A great guy to work with. Great memories. Prayers to his family.
Patrick Connell says
I first met Bob while advocating for good natural resource & forestry bills. Then, first as a Representative then Senator, Bob was MOST gracious, supportive, and a source of wise counsel. He was A very effective legislator, stood for the best possible outcome for Montana. He was a friend and Mentor,and his passing will be Montana’s loss.
(fmr) Senator Pat Connell
Tom Reilly says
Marks Family,
Your family has been a very important part of my life for 50 years. That includes everyone,- from Gramma Marks, Bob and Barbara, through Chris. There are many stories and memories (especially the 1970’s) and all of them are priceless. Bob always had that quick wit and ability to put people at ease. I remember once when I was very young he told me that someone had stopped by and told him that I wasn’t fit to eat with the pigs. He said he stuck up for me and said I was. .. :). A simple joke but I’ve never forgotten it. Besides the legacy of a great family who have worked hard and accomplished so much, Bob set the bar high during his Legislative years. The 1970’s was a different time, but his example of decorum/manners/etc. for someone in govt. service is needed today more than ever (I remember Rick in grade school always asking us “did you see my Dad on TV last night?” Of course we did…).
Many, many memories for me……the Clancy community and all of us whose lives Bob and Barbara touched are so much the better for it. There is no way to measure the positive influence and difference they made.
Tom
Jerome Tuss says
To the Marks family: Ronnie and I are truly sorry for your loss. It was an honor knowing Bob. He was an outstanding member of the community of Clancy and of Montana.
Jerome and Ronnie Tuss
Marilyn Maphies says
Our sincere condolences go out to the Marks Family. Bob was a long time friend and very well respected member of the Clancy community. We are very sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace Bob..
Daniel Collings says
Dearest Aunt Barb & Cousins
So sorry to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. There are many, many fond memories of all the family gatherings.
Love you all !!
Dan & Lonnie Collings
Dennis Davaz says
Our hearts, minds, and prayers are with all family members during these trying times. God bless, Dennis and Karen Davaz
Gary Ellingson says
Bob represented the best of the “Greatest Generation” and his values live on through the good acts of all the Marks family members. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Em and Gary Ellingson
Lee Travis says
Marks family, We are all very sorry to hear of Bob ‘s passing. Bob was a wonderful and well respected person of many talents and accomplishments which are appreciated by all— we remember Bob however, as the best neighbor anyone could ask for. He was always helpful in so many ways over the last 50+ years, they cannot be counted. He will be missed. Peace and blessings to all the Marks family, The Travis family
Marie Hajny says
It was my honor to serve with Bob on the Madison Valley Bank Board. You do not find many with his wisdom, ethics and morals.
Terri Atwood says
Marks family, your father was my mentor when it came to Clancy history. I am so sorry for your loss and will miss seeing him in our little town. My thoughts are with you. Terri Atwood
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
We are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. He and Tom served together in the Legislature and Tom always respected his leadership and integrity. Montana is a better place because of Bob’s leadership. Rest in Peace Bob, our sincere condolences to Barb and the entire Marks family.
Doris Copenhaver says
Barb and family..so sorry to hear Bob is no longer with us. I will remember his sense of humor and the discussions we had. He will b misses.
Celestine Duncan says
Marks Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was an amazing person and wonderful role model for so many. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Leif Griffin says
Barb, Gary, Steve, Rick, and Chris,
We are saddened by the death of Bob. He was truley a remarkable man. I will be forever grateful and appreciative that he and “his boys” built our house in Lump Gulch. I miss living in Lump Gulch and being able to walk down the back gate to the Marks Ranch. Those were the good times.
RIP Bob Marks with peace and blessings to his family.
Ronald Williams says
To all the Marks family:
Our thoughts are with you Barbara and the whole family in the loss of Bob.
Our sincere condolences.
Ron & Kathleen Williams
wayne helfert buzz says
Marks families- my sincere condolences for your loss.I could never understand why a successful rancher and businessman would want to get into politics, but Bob did and raised the bar for everyone to follow. Montana will miss him-may he rest in peace.
John Driscoll says
Bob and I served in the Leadership, from our respective sides of the aisle, in the Montana House of Representatives. When it all was said and done, though I’m sure it was trying at times for him, we got along well. Good job, Bob.
Dave Leitheiser says
My condolences to the Marks family on their loss. I served with Bob on several community Committees and Boards. I always appreciated Bob’s respectful leadership, depth of knowledge, civility, and professionalism. Bob maintained these qualities even in times of intense debate and disagreements on the topic at hand; something sorely missed and needed in today’s world. The Clancy community and the State of Montana has also experienced a loss with Bob’s passing.
Habel family says
Sending our condolences to the Marks family. During our eighteen years in Clancy we had many chances to interact with Bob and enjoyed each conversation. We have a great deal of respect for him and all he accomplished.
Webers says
Cody, Christie, and kids,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and we hope you have beautiful and joyous memories of your grandpa to guide you through your loss.
Best
Ryan, Maren, and Morgan Weber
John&Toni Scully says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I had the pleasure of Legislative Leadership defined and lived by Bob. His personal integrity was more important than any political opportunity. He treated both sides of the isle, employees, and citizens with respect and a willingness to find solutions for the issues of the day. Thanks to Bob and R.D., for helping Ennis save our medical services. I enjoyed EVERY interaction with him and Barb as they helped their “community”. Even the orange sport coat on St Patrick’s day!!! What a fine example for young political/community leaders.
Leonard/Debbie Willett says
To the Marks family,
I’m so sorry about Bob passing. Bob was such a rock of safety and kindness growing up in the corner of lump gulch while attending Clancy/Boulder schools. Please accept my condolences. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken Dunham says
Our condolences to all of Bob’s family. We had many fun times with Bob in his legislative years.
– Ken Dunham and Janelle Fallan
Loraine W says
Barb and family,
God bless Bob. And God bless each of you during this difficult transition. My years at Clancy United Methodist Church will always be special. And Bob and Barb are always at the forefront of my memories. The Clancy family is beautiful. Take care of each other.
Lori
Steve and Ann Moody’s daughter
Kip and Sherrie Smith says
To the Marks Family,
Our condolences on Bob’s passing. We enjoyed being a part of the big Clancy community family. We have such great memories of all the support both Bob and Barbara provided to all the kids growing up from softball all the way through high school. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kip and Sherrie Smith
Dan March says
Marks Family,
Condolences on Bob’s passing. He leaves an amazing legacy in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I feel blessed to have known him and to have spent many days of my youth on the Mark’s ranch. Only years later did I realize what a special environment so many Clancy kids enjoyed due to the largess of Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan and Aimee March
Delbert Hunt says
Bob was a remarkable man..
Simon Stratford says
My wife and I first learned of the Mark’s family and Bob’s starts in the lumber industry from another inspiring Montanan, Mary Oliver, who held and holds Bob in high esteem. As a Tree Surgeon moving into Montana it was one of the first connections Mary told us of. You sometimes wonder what the drive is in you to explore and develop whilst yearning for more understanding of nature’s environment and especially, for me, trees and their management. When you read of men like Bob’s lives and their contributions to their communities and the individual passion to be better men, then you have something to follow and aspire to. Although we have had no contact with the Mark’s family, my wife Karre and I would like to send our condolences and thanks for Bob’s life and the message his life gives us all.
Bob Person says
As a staff member of the Legislative Council, I worked with Bob when he was in the legislature and later at the Department of Administration. His public service should be held up as a model for all who would serve as the people’s representative. As an example, he worked successfully with members of both parties to conduct productive legislative work with an even partisan split. It was the fundamental decency, grace, and good humor he brought to the table that made this possible. May we some day find our way back to a time when servant leadership such as Bob provided might once again be the hallmark of true political leadership.