Robert Neil Berkey, 91
Robert Neil Berkey passed away, April 29, 2020, in Whitefish.
Bob Berkey was born at home in Penfield, Ohio on April 7, 1929.
He married Grace Gill on April 15, 1950. They were married for 70 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Mildred Berkey, his brothers Howard and Raymond (Bud) and his sister Helen.
Bob is survived by Grace, and by their son James Berkey (Jeanne) and daughter Cynda (Steve). He is also survived by four grandchildren and their partners, Marissa (Tim), Troy, Brenda (Eric) and Clara (Joel); one great-granddaughter, due in the fall; and by many nieces and nephews.
Bob graduated from Rocky River High School in Ohio in June 1947. He began work at Warner & Swasey Company in Cleveland, Ohio in September 1947, as a machinist apprentice. He rose through the ranks, and was the Plant Manager when he retired in April 1988.
After retirement, Bob and Grace enjoyed their motor home, including wintering in Florida for several years while living in Ohio. They moved to Whitefish in 1995. Bob loved Whitefish; from the deck of their condo, he enjoyed the view of Big Mountain Ski Resort, the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park, and the golf course below. Bob called it, “God’s Country.”
In retirement, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, making stained glass, and golfing with his friends from the golf club.
One of Bob’s greatest pleasures was helping others with all sorts of tasks, and leadership in numerous organizations. Bob lived a life of service and integrity. He was devoted to Grace, his wife of 70 years. His two children were his pride and joy and he was a loving Papa to his four grandchildren. Bob was a friend you could depend on.
Private graveside services will be held at Buffalo Hills Cemetery, Kalispell, later this week.
A memorial gathering in his beloved Whitefish will be announced later this year, when we can all be together.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana in Bob’s memory would be appreciated.