Robert “Sonny” Bright, age 73, of Helena passed away Friday, May 3, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by his children.
Sonny was born on July 16, 1939 to Cecil Ray Bright, Sr. and Ella Mae Cole in Helena, Montana. Robert marries his wife, Sharon Skinner on March 18, 1960 in Great Falls, Montana. He served in the Navy as well as the Army National Guard in the Armor Tank Division as a tank driver. He worked as a grounds keeper at the Lewis and Clark County Fairground and also held positions at the smelter, a deputy in the Sheriff Reserve, and a custodian with the school district.
Sonny was extremely proud of his military and deputy sheriff service. In his spare time, Robert enjoyed hunting, art, raising good horses with his wife, Sharon. Time spent with family and friends was especially important to him and he was generous almost to a fault. He was beloved in the community and easily made friends wherever he went.
Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Ella Bright; wife, Sharon Bright; son-in-law Buddy Mergenthaler; sisters Shirley and Charlene; and brothers Juney, Donny, Terry, and Tom.
He is survived by his children; Denise (Paul) Cartisser, Bobbie (Darren Camerena) Bright, Shannon (Dennis) Meyer, Robert (Tammy) Bright; brothers and sisters Diane, Beverly, Jimmy, Rita, Leslie, Gary, Diane, and Michael; grandchildren, Bryan (Mandie) Spece, Buddy (Misty) Mergenthaler, Sunni Mergenthaler, Kesler Bright, Cory and Nicki Meyer, and Travis Cartisser; great-grandchildren, Corbin and Colin Spece, Belle Taylor, Jessica Mergenthaler, Dayton Cartisser; and his faithful dog, Bum.
Sonny will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Forestvale Cemetery with a reception to follow at the American Legion, 3095 Villard Ave., Helena. Memorials in Sonny’s name may be sent to the St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Sonny.
The family would like to thank the oncology unit at St. Peter’s Hospital for the wonderful care they gave to our Father. Love ya, Dad!
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday May 9, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday May 9, 2013
American Legion
3095 Villard Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Darlene Miller Scott says
Denise, Bobbie, Shannon, Robert and Your Families,
We are so saddened by Sonny’s passing. He and your Mom have always had a special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories from when we were neighbors. You are so lucky to have had such a caring father. I know that you are grieving so, but may it comfort you to know that he and your Mom are together again. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Norm and Darlene
Kaysee Williams says
Bright Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Williams Family
Dave Bakke says
Rest in Peace Uncle Sonny. We have a lot of great memories of your visits to California… especially the one at Sally Stanford’s restaurant. That always puts a smile on my face.
Our priest down here just passed away a day earlier, May 2nd (my birthday), so who knows what God’s plans are for each one of us. Rest assured that Sonny is at peace now… Blessings.
Dave
Tim and JeanAnn Scheuer says
We are sorry for your loss and we will miss visiting with him as he and the dogs walked up the road. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. /Tim and JeanAnn
Ottman Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, Sonny, thanks for all the fun and help working the track during the last horse race meet ever at Helena downs. We couldn’t have pulled it off without your volunteer help. You will truly be missed by everyone that knows you. Mike Ottman & Family
A. Friend says
Will surely miss you my friend….Next time you can buy me breakfast. And I will tell Bum you spent the money for his treat!! RIP SONNY
KATHY AND BUTCH KROLL says
Denise,Bobby,Shannon,Robert, I am so sorry for you loss, your dad meant the world to us.
He will surely be missed. I will miss his sense of humor, everytime I talked to him he had me laughing. The only comfort is knowing he is with your mom. Please let us know if you need anythng, anything at all.
john and debbie whyte says
Denise, Bobby, Shannon and Robert: Our condolences to you and your families. We are praying for all of you to celebrate Sonny’s life in this time of grief. We are glad to see your parent are together again. I have so many memories as neighbors that will always be cherised. Love and GOD bless.
John and Karen Quihillalt says
Denise, Bobbie, Shannon, Robert and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. We find comfort in the hope of Sonny being with Sharon now. We hope that you all find peace in your hearts as you move through the coming days. We love you all and are thinking of Sonny, you and Sharon as well. Take care of each other and know friends are here when you need them.
James Gregg says
Sonny was a good man with a kind heart. I enjoyed the time I spent with him and my grandfather on the 7-G Ranch. Art always spoke highly of Sonny and we appreciate all he did for us.
James Gregg
Brad & Susan Hundley and the 7 G's says
Sonny was the best friend to all our family. He and Art would work the ranch side by side. They loved each other’s company. Sonny was a part of everything we love at the 7 G Ranch. His wisdom has lead me through tough times after Art’s passing. Dawn loved having him around. She enjoyed his kind nature and friendly conversation. Polite to the end. All of the 7 G’s have good memories of Sonny. May God hold him in the palm of his hand!
Molly says
I’ll never forget how you stuck up for Sunni and told those people off. I’ll never compare to that Grandpa that you were, but I will do my best. Love you, Gramps.
Gretchen & Paul Gregg says
Sunny was a welcomed friend at the 7 G Ranch. He greeted all with a warm smile. He and my father (Art Grunenfelder) had many wonderful memories together. He will truely be missed.
Mike, Debbie, Sean and Kaley McIntyre says
The McIntyre family will always remember Sonny as a treasured member of the 7G ranch family. We were always happy to see him coming to the door. What a wonderful person and great friend to us all! Our sincerest condolences.
Fred and Judy Bakke says
God bless you Sonny, you will be missed by all who knew you. Our condolences to Sonny’s family. It was always a pleasure to see Sonny and Sharon. Sonny had some great stories of his past, he was fun to talk to.
Evelyn Knowles says
Just want to let the Bright family know that Sonny was always happy to greet you. Knew how to make you laugh and willing to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by all of us. Prayers go out to all of you.
Cas Stenhjem and Rita says
Truly will be missed by everyone that knew Sonny – always had a smile and joke to tell. I learned much about Helena history with the stories he told when we would sit and drink a couple of pots of coffee. Our Prayers are with you , Bless your all!
A Poetry Lover and Friend says
Requiem
Under the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you ‘grave for me:
Here he lies where he long’d to be;
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.
–Robert Louis Stevenson
Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight sweet prince
And flights of angels
Sing thee to thy rest.
–William Shakespeare
Dirk Andersen & Family says
Bobbie, Denise, Shannon, Robert and family. We offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers on the loss of your dad. Sonny was a wonderfully kind man. Sonny was with me when I shot my first elk and other hunting trips way back in my early years that I will cherish forever . I will miss him very much, as I do your mother. May God Bless and comfort you all.