Robert Lyman Borden, 82

Robert “Bob” Borden passed away at his home peacefully surrounded by his family Tuesday, July 26, 2016, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Bob was a man of many talents, a wonderful family man. Bob’s artistic abilities were never ending, and his love for music and writing fueled his artistic fire. He had a great sense of humor and compassion for all.

Bob was born on June 2, 1934, in Olympia, Washington, to Phyllis and Gail Borden.

He graduated from Everett High in 1952. He attended Everett Junior College for a year before he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was a radio operator, stationed in Japan. He graduated from Central Washington College in Ellensburg, Washington, with his teaching degree, and he later attended the University of Montana.

On Aug. 30, 1957, he married his soulmate/best friend, Mary Lou Paice. In 1965 the two moved to fulfill their dreams of raising their family in beautiful Big Sky Country. He was passionate about hunting, fishing and living off the land. The family legend lives on!

Bob taught music for 10 years. To him music and teaching were the best of both worlds; he loved to inspire creativity. He began his real estate career in 1971, when he bought into Valley Realty, and later started his own office, Kalispell Realty. He was a man of incredible morals and ethics.

Bob was a very adventurous man; he loved the great outdoors. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing in Montana, he was fly fishing in the South Pacific. He spent many of his years in the Cook Islands and Hawaiian islands. He often said, “If you can’t wear sunglasses and shorts, then you’re in the wrong place!”

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou, and their children, Brad and his wife Shelley; Jeff, his wife Robin and their children, Brooke and Brant; Stuart, his wife Becky, and their children, Breanne and Chance; Mary Thomas, her children Zach and his wife Kailey, Tyler, and Connor; and Angie Berry, her husband Jim, and their children Jacob and Jade; great-grandchildren, Luke, Ryan and Sean Thomas; sister, Lonna Cameron, of Yakima, Washington, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob always told his family they had to create their dreams; nobody was going to build their dreams for them. He believed hard work and honesty would get you where you want to be. He proved that in his life. Recently Bob said, “Treat each other with love and be nice to each other ­— that’s the only thing that matters,” and it is so true. Love and family meant the world to Bob, and through our family and the love we share Bob will always be with us.

Bob’s celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Aug. 20, at 127 Rocky Road, Kalispell. Anyone touched by Bob is welcome to attend. Contact Angie at 406-257-9700 with questions.

The family suggests that donations can be made to the local veterans pantry, hospice, or www.mikaylasmiraclesandblessings.com.