On October 28, 2014, the world lost a very beloved man. Willard “Bill” Robinson passed away, as a result of a stroke, at the VA Hospital in Helena, Montana. He was 91 years old.
Bill was born on June 27, 1923, in Conrad, Montana, the son of Margaret and James Robinson. He grew up on the family farm west of Conrad and attended Conrad Public Schools, graduating from Conrad High School in 1942. He continued to farm until he joined the Army in 1944. He was awarded the Purple Heart for combat during the liberation of the Philippines in World War II. He also served with American forces in Japan after their surrender. Upon his discharge, he returned to farming. He met Beverly “Bev” Pruitt and they were married on August 8, 1946. A few years after their marriage, they moved to town in Conrad, where he worked in various roles for the Farmer’s Supply Co-op for 27 years before retiring. In 1992 they moved to Helena were they have lived since. During his retirement, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, attending great grandchildren’s various sporting and extracurricular events, helping his children and grandchildren with various projects and caring for the family’s pets. Bill and Bev recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
Bill is survived by his wife, Bev; children William Robinson of Rochester, MN, Aleda Robinson of Helena, MT; granddaughters Whitney (Rob) Casey of Columbia Falls, MT, Meredith Tinseth of Belgrade, MT, Kelly (Dave) Morrison of Missoula, MT, Amy Sheets of Helena, MT, and eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lois Aakre of Conrad, MT and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Everette, J.M. Jr., Don and sisters Helen Urbanitch and Nina Moser.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 15th, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601. Immediately following will be a reception at American Legion, 3095 Villard Avenue. Military Honors service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 17th, at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bill.
Bill will be missed by all, we love him and know he is in a better place and free of pain.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 15, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Saturday November 15, 2014
American Legion
3095 Villard Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday November 17, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros lane
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 15, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Saturday November 15, 2014
American Legion
3095 Villard Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday November 17, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros lane
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Cara Willson says
Amy, Meredith and families,
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Grampa. I am so glad I got to meet him last summer. May your memories sustain you and bring you comfort. Thinking of you all.
Cara
Kimme Evermann says
Bev – Bill was one of the dearest and kindest men I ever met. I remember that he would drive you to SHIP events so you would arrive safe and sound. Then once he arrived, we’d wrangle him up to help carry boxes or move tables. His gentle nature was a joy to experience and I am so glad he was able to be with you and his family until the age of 91. May peace be with you, Bev, and know I am keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
S Ford says
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to you. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. Turn to the Holy Scriptures for guidance and to help soothe your heart. Psalms 34:18 assures us that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Kelli Kaufman says
Aleda (and family),
I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad. It is so very hard to lose a parent. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Wisner says
Bev and family,
I was so sorry to read about Bill’s passing and wanted you to know I’m thinking of all of you. Bill was a great man and full of kindness for everyone. He always had a smile on his face. I send you my prayers and love at this difficult time.
Mike Elsberry says
Bev and Bill are old family friends, and I am distressed by Bill’s passing. Bev, if there’s anything I can do please let me know. I haven’t seen either of you for years (I believe my Dad and Mom’s 50th wedding anniversary), but have thought of you many times since then. Peace be with you!
Ken Pruitt says
To Bev and family,
Our (Ken, Marge, Jim, Jean) prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
We are sorry that we can’t be with you, however we are thankful that we
were able to see you recently. We send our love.
Brother Ken and Family
John and Alice says
Bev and family. We ate here at our Arizona home wishing we could have had one more great visit with Bill. He will. always be in our hearts. Love you Bev. Alice and John