Robert Eugene 'Bobby' Ward, 59

Robert Eugene "Bobby" Ward, 59, was welcomed into the Ward family by his parents Harold and Wally Ward at Kalispell Regional Hospital on Jan. 23, 1953. He was baptized by Pastor J.M. Grimsrud of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where Harold and Wally were members.

Bobby died Sept. 9, 2012, at his home in Kalispell.

Bobby had Down syndrome and his mother was a stay-at-home mom and was very protective of him. She kept him with her always and rarely left the house.

Wally died of cancer at Kalispell Regional Hospital on March 16, 1987. Bobby had no siblings and he missed his mom and dad a lot. His dad, Harold, was a worldwide collector of Western ballad records — Bobby liked his musical instruments and enjoyed music with his dad.

Harold was a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office for many years, and he said his route was a long trail that had no end. Bobby liked to keep "mail" in his hand and liked to go to the post office and buy stamps.

After Wally's death, Harold lived at Buffalo Hill Terrace and Immanuel Lutheran Home where he passed away on Jan. 25, 1993.

Richard Wise was the family doctor and he always has shared his concern for Bobby after his parents’ passing. At the request of pastors at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Polly Nikolaisen became Bobby's guardian by order of the Montana Twentieth Judicial Court in Lake County.

Flathead Industries had an eight year waiting period to place Bobby in a group home. Montana Department of Health and Human Services found a group home in Pablo where Bobby was admitted. He greeted everyone happily and adjusted very well to group homes in Ronan and Pablo.

While he was able, he was employed at Mission Mountain Enterprises with work at the activity center in Ronan. One of his "jobs" was to put books away in the library corner. He was very particular and fussy about "messing" his books after he was finished. He would put his hand out and say "No, no, no!" if I wanted to look at a book.

He took part in the Special Olympics in Great Falls as a speed racer in his wheel chair. He enjoyed bowling and the Bowling Center provided special equipment for the handicapped. He clapped his hands for himself when he hit some pins.

Polly likes to think she was as protective of Bobby as his mother had been. But she is quick to thank Opportunity Recourses Group Homes in Lake County and Flathead Industries 3rd Ave. West Group Home in Kalispell, where Bobby had excellent care and many friends. They provided activities, outings, training programs and goals to work on.

Bobbie, with class, handled communicating "his way." When he could no longer walk, he managed to get around very well in his wheel chair. He shook hands with any and all, and a lady would get her hand kissed.

Robert Eugene "Bobby" Ward was preceded in death by his parents, and by his aunts and uncles and family in Oregon, Florida, North Dakota and Minnesota.

He is survived by family members in these states as well. Polly was reminded by relatives to be sure and mention that she survives him after being his guardian for 25 years. Polly extends a special blessing to the care takers where Bobby spent the same 25 years.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home has arranged for private burial at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

A memory time will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Sykes’. All friends are welcome.