Robert Omar Fundingsland, 69

Robert Omar Fundingsland, 69, passed away Feb. 13, 2013, at his home in Arlee, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with kidney failure. Bob was blessed by the loving care of his wife, children and many friends.

He was born in Grand Forks, N.D., Jan. 17, 1944, the 13th child of Omar and Mabel Holwell Fundingsland.

Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judith Fundingsland; his son, David Fundingsland, of Beijing; his daughter, Carrie Fundingsland, and son-in-law, Francis Okwu, of Los Angeles; and three grandchildren, Anika, Afton and Mica Okwu. Surviving siblings are Dianne Hilde, Rita Enge and Marlene “Sugar” Hanson.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Joyce Bougie, Dale Fundingsland, Veryl Fundingsland, Phyllis Olson, Esther Steiner, Estelle Fundingsland, Richard Fundingsland, Carol “Muffy” Fundingsland and Alaine Fundingsland.

Bob spent his early years in Crookston, Minn., and Parshall, N.D., and graduated high school in Bemidji, Minn., in 1962. Bob's dream was to live in Montana. He spent the summers of 1962 and 1963 as a wrangler at the Lazy K Bar Ranch, which was founded by the Van Cleve family in the Big Timber Canyon north of Big Timber.

“As long as I can remember I have wanted to be a cowboy. I was fascinated by good guys with white hats and a six-gun that never ran out of bullets. But I was mostly intrigued by cowboys that could rope.”

Bob would rope anything that moved, including his mother and later his dogs and children.

Bob married Judy McCrea on Oct. 18, 1969, in Georgetown, Ontario. Judy runs The Russian Olive Bed and Breakfast in Arlee, and is a board member of the Community Development Corporation (CDC) and founding member of Kill Deer Artisans Guild.

Bob had a long and successful career as a financial adviser, starting with IDS, and concluding with Rocky Mountain Financial in Missoula. Many clients have remained longtime friends through his professional career spanning 42 years.  

Bob enjoyed leather work, building saddles and had a passion for cars. He enjoyed photography, playing guitar and in his later years, golf. But, above all, he loved his family.

Two memorial services will be held; the first is at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at United Methodist Church on U.S. 93 in Charlo. All are welcome. The second service will be held in Grand Forks in the late spring.

A memorial fund has been set up for his wife, Judith Fundingsland, to aid with expenses. Contributions can be made payable to Judith Fundingsland, c/o Arlee CDC, P.O. Box 452, Arlee, MT 59821.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.