Robert James Sanders, 83

Robert Bob Sanders passed away Nov. 4, 2009, in Dillon. He was born Dec. 14, 1925, to William and Iva Sanders while living in McGrath, Alberta. The family moved to Helena, and then later settled in the Lower Valley area when Bob was in high school. He was unable to attend his 1944 high school graduation ceremony as he was called to military duty for World War II. He became a U.S. citizen in Paris, France, and received his high school diploma by mail. Bob met Marjorie Pederson following the war and they were married in Kalispell on April 16, 1950. Bob and Marj owned and operated Sanders Implement Co. (John Deere dealership) from 1955 to 1968, and later owned Sanders Western Specialty and Fashion Fabrics from 1968 to 1976. Bob and Marj retired from farming in the Lower Valley area in 1995, where he has resided until his passing. Bob s passions included spending time with family, outdoor activities and raising horses. The fall would find him packing into the back country for hunting. Bob grew up around horses and raised the Galiceno breed, owned quarter horses, and later raised Belgians. For over 25 years Bob loved driving his Belgian teams in the covered wagon ride between Buffalo Rapids Bridge and Dixon. During the winters Bob spent his time building covered wagons and refurbishing John Deere tractors. He was always ready at a moment s notice to gather with his grandsons for a family adventure. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; and sister, Alice Funk. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and John Popa, of Great Falls; son and daughter-in-law, Herbert and Barbara Sanders, of Spokane; and four grandchildren, Matt and Drew Popa, and Mark and Dan Sanders. He is also survived by brothers, Ray, Horace and William Sanders. Bob s family is celebrating his life with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. To send condolences, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.