Robert Bob Harvey, 84

On Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, three years to the day after Mom left us, looking out into a beautiful summer day with Happy Trails playing in the background, Dad swung up on Prince and rode off to the other side. Robert Bob Harvey was born Jan. 10, 1926, in Gleason, Wis., the sixth of eight children born to Fred and Gertrude Harvey. In October of that year, the family moved to Bainville to be closer to family. He started school at the Harvey School and went through the eighth grade in Dixon. He later attended Flathead County High School. In 1943, he began a 60-year career raising and selling Christmas trees. In 1945, the family moved to the West Valley area, and he took over the family farming when his father s health began to fail. In 1951, he married an east coast city girl, Katherine Willaman. With Bob on his beloved Prince and Kathy on Little Joe, they enjoyed competing in O-Mok-Sees around the area. They had three children, Gail, Rick, and Sara, and raised them in the West Valley area. He farmed, ranched and raised Christmas trees for 60 years, until his health just wouldn t let him anymore. He was the last remaining charter member of the Flathead County Sheriff s Posse. He was involved in the posse as long as he was able, and it was a source of great pride for him. In the 1950s he rode in the Calgary Stampede with the posse. He carried many a flag in the parades around the valley. He worked at the fair and enjoyed doing security at the local football games. He enjoyed visiting Syke s, sitting with people from all walks of life and solving the world s problems over ten-cent coffee. Family was extremely important to dad. He worried about them, looked after them and loved having everyone together. A family gathering, complete with a rendition of Dunderbeck, was about as good as it could get for him. It is believed that he was happiest out riding his horse on a sunny day, checking his cows. He looked forward to the first baby calf of spring and raised about every other sort of farm animal there was, at one time or another. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathy; six of his brothers and sisters; a son-in-law; two nieces; and a nephew. He is survived by his children, Rick of Billings, Gail Drew and her husband, Bruce of Kalispell, Sara Martin and her husband, Tony of Kalispell; and two grandsons that he was absolutely devoted to, Bret Martin of Williston, N.D., and Randy Martin of Kalispell. He was Uncle Bob to too many nieces and nephews and their families to count. He loved us all. While his absence creates a great void, he leaves a legacy of devotion to family. Hang and rattle, Dad! A celebration of Bob s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, at the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Home, Recreation Dept., 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Flathead County Sheriff s Posse. Friends are encouraged to leave notes of condolence for the family at www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.