Robert F. 'Bob' Cooney, 97

Robert F. "Bob" Cooney, 97, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2007, of natural causes at his home in Helena.

Born the second of three siblings to Fred and Fanny Cooney of Canyon Ferry, Bob had a keen interest in the out-of-doors from the very beginning. Early formal education occurred at the family ranch at the mouth of Avalanche Creek. Later, the children moved to Helena and eventually graduated from Helena High School.

Bob earned a degree in forestry from the University of Montana-Missoula, where he met and married his wife of 71 years, Carol Wells.

His first employment was with the U.S. Forest Service, then later with the Montana Department of Fish and Game. Appointed as the Department's first chief of big-game management, Bob was responsible for initiating a massive wildlife restoration program targeting decimated populations of elk, mountain sheep and goats, antelope, deer and bear.

After retiring, Mr. Cooney worked for the National Wilderness Society's "Way to the Wilderness" program with offices in Denver.

For his sustained achievements in wildlife conservation, Bob received the American Motors Conservation Award in 1958, a University of Montana Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1983, a Hunting Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award 1992, and a special conservation award from the Montana Wilderness Association in 1994. Bob's continuous association with the wildlife and conservation community across the country assisted in the establishment of preservation legislation leading to the National Wilderness Act and the Wild Rivers Act.

Mr. Cooney was a member of Rotary International and held membership in the Montana Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers.

Bob was preceded in death by a daughter, Kay Peterson; and a brother, Ted.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; a sister, Sayre Dodgson, of Stanwood, Wash.; a daughter, Jean Roberts, of White Sulphur Springs; and a son, Ted Cooney, and his wife, Jacquey, of Choteau. Bob leaves six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Retz Funeral Home in Helena. Funeral liturgy will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation will be afterward. An informal reception will be held at the funeral home after the liturgy. Interment of his cremated remains will be at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.