Robert “Bob” Stewart Simpson (88) died peacefully at the VA hospital on August 21, 2014. Born on August 19, 1926. Bob was the first-born son of Lenore Marie and Wesley Author Simpson. He spent his childhood in Bozeman, attending school there when Bozeman was still a cattle town. Many life-long friendships were forged in Bozeman before he left school to join WWII. Bob completed jump school training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division; serving in the Philippines and on the island of Honshu during the occupation. After the war he returned to Bozeman, where he married Lola Chase, mother of his three sons, Charles, Stewart and Wesley. In 1955, the family moved to Helena and purchased a farm on the Spokane Bench North of East Helena, raising dry-land wheat until 1981. Bob competed as a calf roper in Rodeos throughout Montana until the early 1970’s. These were some of the best times of his life, raising his boys and adding many friends and adventures to an already colorful life.
In May of 1977 he married Judy (Johnston) Morey, accepting her son, Mitchell, into the family. Later that same year two “adopted” daughters joined their family; Valery and Jody Shaw. Early in the 1980’s, Bob would realize his life-long dream of owning and operating a cattle ranch when they purchased some additional land and made the leap from wheat farming to cattle ranching. Officially naming the place The SBow Ranch. Bob was especially proud of his Black Angus cattle and continually worked to develop his “perfect herd”. Bob was a true cowboy; loving horses and cattle and everything there was to do with the ranching way of life. He loved Montana and the mountains; saying that riding the backcountry, hunting, checking cows, or just for pleasure, was his time ‘in church’.
Bob loved a good time and spent many an hour visiting with friends over a cup of hot coffee or a drink (or several). He was proud of his service to his country, and the highlight of this past year was a trip to Washington, DC on the Seventh Montana Honor Flight.
His mother and father preceded him in death, as did his brother Kenneth “Bud” Simpson, his brother Stacy Crosby and wife Phyllis, a grandson, Austin Simpson, and his friend and partner Donna Shaw. He is survived by his wife Judy, sons; Charlie (Leslie) Simpson of Wilsall, MT, Stewart (Pat) Simpson, Wes (Mary) Simpson, and Mitch (Julie) Morey, brother, Jim (Glenna) Simpson and mother-in-law, Martha Johnston, all of Helena, MT. and sisters-in-law, Randi Simpson, of Bozeman, MT, Sallie (Gary) Clinard of Las Vegas, NV, Ann Johnston of Coeur d’Alene, ID, Kathleen (Dan) Robinson of Lincoln, MT, and brother-in-law Kenneth (Linda) Johnston, of Springfield, OR. In addition, he is survived by his special extended family; Valerie (Jimmy) Oliver, of Gillette, WY, Jody (Lanny) Bangerter of Sheridan, WY, John (Jamie) Shaw of Billings, MT, and Vicky Shaw of Vancouver, WA,
He will be greatly missed by his grand children; Grady & Ben Simpson, Chase & Abbie Simpson, Trini Sanchez, Christina (Ed) Moss, Delon Parker, Colby Oliver, Justina Kerth, Tessy Alem, Kalyn Marsh, and Bailey and Ike Shaw, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 27th, at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow at the East Valley Community Center, 2605 York Rd, Helena, Montana 59602. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Sky Honor Flight, P.O. Box 80201, Billings, Montana 59108 or to God’s Love, 533 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Robert.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 27, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Lane
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the graveside service
Wednesday August 27, 2014
East Valley Community Center
2605 York Rd
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sherry (Jerome) Hecht says
I’ve know Bob since I was a young girl. One of my favorite memories with Bob are riding horseback up to the top of his land in Jefferson County. We sat up there on top, and he pointed out and told us all about the areas that were settled by different groups. It was a beautiful day; I will miss Bob.
Sherry (Jerome) Hecht says
Gale & Florence Jerome
We will miss our buddy Bob – the golfing trips and other good times. Also, Judy we are here for you – God Bless.
Joe and Veronica Cardenas says
Veronica and I are very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. You (the Simpson family) have been very kind to us and I really enjoyed my visits with Bob. He will be greatly missed, he was one of the good ones. Our condolences.
buzz helfert says
i’ve known Bob for over 50 yrs, and greatly enjoyed the time I spent with him. I shot my first elk with Bob and his dad in the Gallatin in 1961, and was fortunate to spend many other hunting camps with him. He leaves a great empty space at the Helena Farm Supply coffee club. He was my lifelong hero. Rest in peace my friend.
Tom Naegele says
Wes,
So sorry for your loss. I met your Father in Sheridan, Montana as he was a WWII Paratrooper Comrade with Dick Todd and he was instrumental in getting Dick too attend the events last Fall in Washington D C . Dick & Polly Todd send their prayers of support to the Simpson Family.
Charles kleffner says
Bob was a friend, mentor & cowboy.
We had a lot of fun times together, wether it was plowing snow at -30 in the wind or hauling grain, he was always pleasat and full of fun, he was a friend. His heart was as big as the east to west when it cam to helping out.
Once we were hauling his grain and he was buying lunch, Jack Bullock steped up and pushed a $100 bill to the cashier for lunch when it was Bob’s turn to buy. Bob pushed the $100 bill to the girl and told her it was her tip, and and said: Now I’m buying lunch! Mr. Bullock couldn’t talk; but only stammer as we all had a good laugh, he knew the rules. I miss those days and all the friends that have left us. Hold onto the memories! We had a special time when I stopped in, he, I and Jim.
Todd Baur and Family says
Our best wishes to the Simpson family as Bob passes to bigger pastures faster horses. I’ll always remember Bob and Judy’s warm hospitality when Charlie and I would stop by the ranch on the way to some mis-adventure. Rest in peace Bob.
Kathryn Burkhart Stanley says
We will miss Bob’s larger than life personality. I remember him always having a huge smile and a twinkle in his eye. I am sure that Heaven is a happening place with the reunion of Bob, Dad and the gang. They will all continue to watch over us as we carry on their memories. Hugs to all of you.
Katie Wing says
Bob was such a handsome man, in every way. I looked up to him, particularly his determination to live a life full of integrity. We share the same birthday and somehow I believe that connected our spirits. Although it has been many years since we last spoke, his memory will forever be with me. My thoughts go out to his family, especially his lovely wife Judy and my friends Grady, Ben and Trini. He certainly was an incredible man that stood for his family, natural living and strong values.