Bob was born March 28, 1934 in Helena MT. With a large family and the great depression raging, there were challenges and hardships, but Bob always had a great attitude and a smile. After growing up in old Helena’s rough and tumble neighborhoods and graduating from Cathedral High School, Bob jumped into the working world with both feet, delivering papers for the Independent Record. Later, as a bellhop at the old Harvey hotel, he hustled for tips and gathered some great stories along the way. A stint in the US Army was next, and after his final muster, Bob started work at the Fort Harrison Veterans Administration Center. A job turned into a career of 35 years, and Bob retired in 1989 as an accountant after making many great friends there. The easy life didn’t suit him, so he went back to work managing the Grubstake restaurant. After 10 more years, Bob was finally ready to slow down a bit and concentrate on his passions of fishing, gardening, decorating his home and yard with over-the-top Christmas displays, and spending time with his grandchildren, especially Justin.
Bob married the love of his life, Joann Devivier, on November 9, 1974. Bob and Joann each had kids from previous marriages, and with the addition of Kimberly Sue in 1975, it was a busy and fun-filled time. Bob coached basketball for his stepson Mike’s team, and enjoyed mentoring kids. Bob and Joann for many years kept a hundred or so white leghorn chickens, and gave fresh eggs to family and friends. Bob was also a master gardener, and had the greenest thumb in town. He was always ready to help beginners with the secrets of raising the best vegetables possible in the challenging Helena climate. When asked for help, Bob’s reply was always “You bet!” with a smile at the ready.
Bob passed away at the age of 80 on April 5, 2014 at Rocky Mountain Care center from complications of an earlier stroke. We mourn his passing, but celebrate his full life. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Longmire, his sisters Isabel and Charlotte, brothers George, Fred, Joe and Gil Longmire. He is survived by his brother Leroy (Carolyn) Longmire, wife Joann, brother-in-law Dick (Dot) Devivier, children Kim Longmire Sides, Nina (Jim) Wagner, April Burton, stepdaughter Jackie (Scott) Smith, and stepson Mike (Angela) Heller, several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bob also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and great friends including the breakfast & lunch crowd at the Early Bird café. The family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Care center and Hospice of St. Peters for their kindness and compassion over the last several weeks.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the visitation. A reception will be held in the social hall at the funeral home immediately following the graveside service. Memorials in Bob’s name are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bob.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Saturday April 11, 0201
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Friday April 11, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Saturday April 11, 0201
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Friday April 11, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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serena sides says
Great guy grandpa friend and dad was truly a one of a kind
Roxan Senger says
Kim from all of us here we are sorry for your family’s loss. I do hope that Justin and your children find lots of great comfort knowing he will be an angel looking from above. God bless you and your family.
Justin sides says
Grandpa miss u much u were great guy every one loved u a lot see u there
zach bigelow says
Grandpa you are a great man and friend, I may not be your biological grandson but I hope you watch over Kim, justin, the girls, cooper, me, and my family. Love you grandpa, and please make it safely to heaven. Just know I pray for you every night. 🙂
Leona Zaharko says
I just said Farewell (till we meet again) to the most wonderful man I have ever known. You hired me at the VA 40 years ago this month not knowing what you were getting yourself in to!!!! What wonderful years working for the best boss ever. We had such great times but we all worked hard. You were my garden mentor and taught me everything I know (and some things I didn’t need to know) about gardening. I so love my yearly garden because of you. You have your seeds, beer and ketchup with you as you go on this journey. I would have brought you coffee and toast but I had no bread!!! Love always, Bobby Sue!!!!
GARY PENNOYER says
BOB YOU ARE A FRIEND AND YOU WILL SURELY BE MISSED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS PLENTY OF CATSUP AND BEER UP THERE.. AND THE DOGERS ARE WINNING, BET THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY..GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS BOB.