Robert Vincent McCabe, 85

Robert Vincent McCabe, 85, of Kalispell, passed away on Oct. 27, 2012, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. 

He was born in Arvilla, N.D., on July 9, 1927, to parents Arthur and Lillian McCabe, and grew up on the family farm. 

Bob graduated from Larimore High School and was married in October 1956 to Geraldine DeRuntz, who preceded him in death. Bob and his children moved to Kalispell in 1967. In June, 1976 Bob married Nancy Jones, who also preceded him in death.

Bob, christened “Great Bob” by his beloved nieces and nephews, was a kind and loving family man and a true friend to all who knew him. Most endearing was Bob's sheer joy when reconnecting with loved ones, which he tried to do as frequently as possible. As anyone who knew Bob could attest to, he was a principled man of the highest moral character. 

A career electrician, Bob was a hardworking provider for his family, retiring as maintenance superintendent at the Outlaw Inn in Kalispell. During retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family far and wide.

Bob was a devoted member of St. Matthew's Parish for over 40 years. In his earlier days, he enjoyed his time on a bowling team. In his later years, he enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and watching the San Francisco 49ers play football and the San Jose Sharks play hockey. Bob was also a talented handyman who lived to create and help friends and family with projects.

He is survived by his four children, Roberta Connelly and spouse Cory, Gerald McCabe, James McCabe and spouse Jo Anne, and Maureen Ruggles and spouse John; two grandchildren, Sheila McCabe and Kyle McCabe; two sisters, Genevieve Pollock and Vivian Drake and spouse George; and multiple generations of beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 17 at St. Matthew's Church. Bob's remains will be laid to rest at a later date in the family burial plot in Larimore, N.D. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.