Robert 'Bob' B. Cotner, 84

Dr. Robert “Bob” B. Cotner, a resident of Kalispell, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Nov. 19, 2014. He was 84 years old.

Bob was born March 26, 1930, in Bozeman to Frank and Anita Cotner. He was raised in an academic environment. Frank was the dean of science at Montana State University and Anita was a junior high teacher. Bob graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1948. He attended Montana State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fish and wildlife management in 1952, and a master’s degree in zoology in 1953. After completing his master’s program, Bob attended the University of Michigan, receiving his dental degree (D.D.S.) in 1957.

Bob and Kathleen Wolfe were married in Billings on June 7, 1952. While pursuing his master’s and dental degrees, Bob spent summers working as a park ranger in Yellowstone Park. Bob’s studies and work in the park created a lifetime passion for the outdoors, wildlife, and in particular, birds of the Rocky Mountain region.

During his final year of dental school, and after earning his dental degree, Bob and his growing family moved to Fort Lewis, Wash., where he served as a commissioned dental officer in the U.S. Army for four years, 1956 to 1960. After his discharge, Bob and Kathleen made the decision to return to Montana to raise their children and to establish a private dental practice. This decision led Bob, Kathleen and their family to Columbia Falls where Bob served the public “24/7,” seeing patients any day, any hour while he and Kathleen raised their five children.

Bob loved his professional life as a dentist. He took great pride in his profession and in providing excellent care for his patients. He served as a member of numerous dental groups and organizations, including his service as president of the Montana Academy of General Dentistry; president of the Montana Dental Association; and chairman of the Montana Dental Association Ethics Committee. In 1978, Bob received an appointment to the Council on Bylaws and Judicial Affairs for the American Dental Association, serving two three-year terms. Bob also took a special interest in providing dental care for the handicapped, serving on the State’s Advisory Team relating to dental care for handicapped individuals, and teaching “Care of the Handicapped” at the Boulder River School and Hospital. Bob was also instrumental in bringing on-site dental care to the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

In 1993 Bob retired. After retiring, Bob continued snow skiing in the winter at Big Mountain (skiing there until he was 79) while enjoying the beauty of Bitterroot Lake during the summer. He set aside every Saturday in the fall to follow “his” Wolverine football team. Bob most loved spending quality time with his family which he defined to include a short phone call. Nothing meant more to him than his wife, children and grandchildren. 

While extremely successful in his academic and professional pursuits, Bob will be remembered primarily as an incredible son, husband, father and grandfather. He poured himself entirely into his family and all of his numerous projects. He was kind and generous to everyone he met. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, James, who died as a result of an accident at the age of 7.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen of Kalispell; his children and their spouses, Bob Jr. of Billings, Tom and Jodi of Boise, Dave and Kathy of Missoula, Caroline Baldwin and Tom of Coeur d’Alene, and John and Brandi of Boise; as well as 12 grandchildren.

A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at Risen Christ Catholic Church in Evergreen.