Robert John 'Bob' Hamill, 84

Robert John “Bob” Hamill, husband and father, “was placed in God's loving arms” on Friday, May 25, 2012, at St. Vincent Hospital, Billings.

Mr. Hamill was born on Aug. 3, 1927, in Rock Island, Ill., the son of Bernard J. and Mary Schmale Hamill.

He met his future wife while they were members of the St. Ambrose College band. He married Janet Lou Kramer on June 2, 1962, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Muscatine, Iowa.

He had several careers during his long life. While still in high school he became a telegrapher on the Rock Island Railroad, serving 11 years until 1954. Later, he became a professional musician and studied the drums and percussion in Chicago. During this time, he toured with the Carl Sands dance band and later went on tour with the Wayne King Orchestra.

He then attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated with a degree in English. In 1969 he moved his new family to Kalispell, where he served for 20 years as head librarian at Flathead High School.

Bob enjoyed being in the outdoors. He loved camping, canoeing and hiking in Glacier National Park, as well as train watching in Whitefish and Essex.  

Bob held a passion for the rural West. In his retirement, he continued to manage the family acreage near Kalispell. In 2000, the family moved to a rural property near Lavina, where he pursued his interests in agricultural activities and a rural lifestyle.

In later years, Bob spent much of his time playing the piano, writing his own musical arrangements, reading and following current events. He enjoyed solitude and the company of close friends and family. A devoted husband and father, Bob followed his family's interests closely with unwavering support.  

Bob possessed a kind and gentle soul. He was a quiet and thoughtful man with a keen intellect. Bob always greeted each new day with enthusiasm and hope.

Survivors include his wife Janet, of 49 years; son, Joseph Hamill, of Lavina; and son, Mark, and wife, Christy Hamill, of Billings; two sisters-in-law, Juliette Hamill of Manchester, N.H., and Ann Reifert of Duluth, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a sister.

A private memorial is planned.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Musselshell County Ambulance Program.