Robert L. 'Bob' Burmood, 70

Robert L. “Bob” Burmood, 70, “grandfather” of therapeutic horseback riding in Western Montana, passed peacefully “into Jesus’ arms” Friday, July 15, 2016, with his two Irish “angels” at his side.

 Bob was born May 31, 1946, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Dale and Lucille Burmood. He graduated from Grand Island High and went on to graduate from Concordia Teachers College, majoring in special education.

Bob was one of the first home trainers hired by CDC, Child Development Center of Western Montana, and served the families of Kalispell, Libby and Troy, teaching them how to care for their children and help them “live up to expectations. He was well known for his zerberts, reminders of “Who’s the boss?” getting kids who had a hard time focusing to say the ABCs forward and backward, and teasing riders, mothers, fathers, volunteers … no one was safe in his barn.

Bob and Timi met when she signed on as a volunteer to help with the riding program at CDC. Their friendship grew over the years, as both felt very passionate about the changes seen in children through the movement, breathing and relationship with horses, as well as interaction with other people. They felt the riding program could benefit people of all ages and disabilities so they decided to make the program their own. S.A.M.S. Riders, Inc. evolved and the two would spend the next 24 years walking in circles to help improve the quality of life for families in Polson, Eureka, Kalispell and Missoula as well as helping to start a program in Havre.

He loved to teach children, parents, other educators and professionals new ways to “make learning fun” and was constantly bringing new ideas and methods to the program. He made sure everyone knew he was their best friend and tried to share one of his favorite riders, Skyler, and his theory of how to live life by staying out of the “me box” — thinking of others first.

He enjoyed forming beautiful bonsai trees, horseracing, fishing, taking grandchildren for rides on his tractor and four-wheelers as well as tobogganing with family in front of him. He gladly served on the board of Stillwater Free Lutheran Church for over 12 years. Bob quoted his father regularly, telling everyone “Today is a gift. What will you do with your gift today?” Easily recognized in a crowd by his Stetson cowboy hat, Bob is looking down on us from heaven.

Bob was previously married to Marcia Berkowitz and they had one son, Chris, and Pam Polches, and they were married in 1976 and had daughter Jamie.

He married the love of his life, Timi (McDonald) Burmood April 11, 1993, and they lived happily until Bob’s passing.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Bob is survived by his wife Timi Burmood of Missoula; son Christopher Eric Burmood of Memphis, Tennessee; daughter Jamie Lynn Newton of Kalispell; sister Beverly and Ray Wondercheck of Bellevue, Nebraska; sister Donna and Jay Helzer of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister-in-law Damien Dougherty of Missoula; stepchildren, Kelsi Steele, Erin Steele, and Brian Cellan of Missoula and Larry Cole of Denver; grandchildren, Katie Rose Peters, Eli Reynolds, Chase and Bailey Newton, and Seamus and Rosebelle Cellan.

The celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23, at the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, 1401 Church Drive in Kalispell. A reception will follow (handicapped accessible). Deacon Darryl Askvig will be officiating.

The family suggests memorials may be given to the Human Therapy on Horseback, P.O. Box 5565 Kalispell, MT 59903; or the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church.

Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to serve the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.