Robert 'Bob' Thornton, 79
Robert ‘Bob’ Thornton, 79
Robert “ Bob” Thornton, 79, passed peacefully Dec. 18, 2011, at his home in Kalispell, after a courageous battle with infection.
“He is now pain free and will have excellent weather to catch all the fish he desires.”
Bob was born in Canyon City, Colo., Nov. 9, 1932, where he remained until he was old enough to enter the Navy. After serving during the Korean War, he left the service with dreams of bigger and better things. He found his way to Montana and worked operating and repairing heavy equipment.
In Great Falls he met his wonderful wife of 45 years; together Bob and Lorraine shared many laughs and adventures. They lived in numerous places for the first 15 years of their marriage, and they finally called the Flathead Valley their home for the last 30 years.
Bob was always an innovator who worked on improving anything with an engine and recently anything that involved fishing. When he had an idea, nothing was impossible. He always said whatever you do, do it in a way that you would be proud to sign your name to it.
It wasn’t until about 15 years ago that he was able to take some time off work to do some serious fishing. Fishing became his passion. He loved being out on the lake; it didn’t matter if he wasn’t catching fish, he just enjoyed watching others reel them in. He took pride in finding his friends and family a big one.
His sense of humor, his can do attitude and encouraging words will be missed by everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, of Kalispell; sons; Murv, Dan, Rob, Steve and his wife Wendy, and family, all of Kalispell, Rod and his wife Nancy and family of Norfolk, Va.; and daughter, Lori, and her husband, Joe, of California. There are numerous nieces and nephews, too many to mention, who had wild times with their Uncle Bob. He also leaves behind his fishing crew and his precious guard dog, Mia.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 22, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Kalispell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana.