Robert "Bob" Early Conway
After a three-year battle with cancer Robert "Bob" Early Conway passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2008.
Bob was born in Indianapolis on May 9, 1938, the second child of Earl H. and Edith B. Conway. He attended Indianapolis schools and served as student body president of Shortridge High School (over 1,500 students.) Bob attended Indiana University where he made the football team as a walk-on and earned his degree in industrial engineering in 1961.
He married Martha Jane Litherland on June 16, 1962, and the 31-year union gave him his two children. In 1976, in search of a better place to raise his family, Bob moved to Whitefish where he was a member of Whitefish Rotary, Big Mountain Ski Foundation, and the Board of Glacier Orchestra and Chorale. He enjoyed watching his children grow and pursued his love of anything to do with the outdoors.
On May 9, 2002, he married Marguerite Lincoln in a Hawaiian oceanside wedding. Bob and Marg's children and grandchildren joined them for the ceremony and a week-long celebration on Maui.
Bob's varied hobbies made him an interesting person. He competed in field trials with the Labrador retrievers he raised and trained. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, time on his sailboat, golfing, biking, skiing, riding horses, kayaking, scuba diving and most of all, he enjoyed flying his plane.
Bob's expert photography chronicled the lives and achievements of his grandchildren. He was an avid birdwatcher who won "Best of Show" for one of his many bird photographs and he even traveled to Africa on a birdwatching adventure. Bob was a member and past president of the Five Valley Audubon Society (or "Head Bird Nerd" according to his grandchildren.) Bob was a lifelong learner and most recently furthered his photography interests with classes at Rocky Mountain School of Photography.
Bob loved summers on Flathead Lake at the family lakehouse, attending his granddaughters' annual dog show, visiting Glacier Park and biking the Hiawatha Trail. He was nearly famous for the homemade ice cream he prepared every year on the Fourth of July.
Bob was from the Midwest and took pride in expressing his values and conservative political views. A loyal fan of Hoosier basketball, he defended and admired the discipline of coach Bobby Knight.
Bob had a gentle demeanor and was thoughtful, courteous and kind. Above all, Bob will be remembered as a man with unwavering grace and a true gentleman.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Alice Hannon.
He is survived by his wife, Marg, of Missoula; his son, Bryan Conway, of Salem, Ore., wife Shannon, and children, Shelby and Logan; and his daughter, Cathy Ingraham of Seattle, husband Michael, and children, Sida, Tate, Audrey, Ashleigh and Johnny. Marg's family includes Grant Lincoln of Missoula, wife Jennifer, and children, Kendell and Jack; Ladd Lincoln of Missoula, wife Vicki, and children, Kaden and Karis; and Maureen "Muffy" Bullock of Superior, husband Gary, and children Hank and Kate. He was affectionately called "Papa Bob" or "GB" (short for Grandpa Bob) by his grandchildren.
At his request, there will no funeral service but a celebration of Bob's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 in Missoula. Please e-mail kmbullock@blackfoot.net for directions.
Bob appreciated the hope and comfort provided by the nurses, staff and Dr. Beatty and Dr. Markette at the Montana Cancer Center. He was touched by the care and sharing with other patients encountered at each treatment.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Montana Cancer Center Fund, c/o St. Patrick Hospital, Box 4587, Missoula.