Bob Ballou

Bob Ballou (May 21, 1924 – March 1, 2014). The son of missionary parents (Thelma Havens Ballou and Earle H. Ballou), Bob was born in Vermont and raised in China until he was 16. He attended Hotchkiss Preparatory School before entering the Army Air Corps where he served as a navigator on a B-17 bomber. His college years were spent at the University of Michigan where he graduated with a BS in Forestry. He later received his MS in wildlife management. Bob's career included a short time with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before transferring to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's refuge system from which he retired in 1982.

As a young man Bob was introduced to the outdoors and developed a deep appreciation for its conservation and preservation. This love was carried throughout his entire life, including a dedicated career in wildlife management. He was passionate about population control and its effects on the outdoors, which became His Legacy that was passed down to family and friends.

In 1948 he married Mickey Wilson with whom he had three children. He and Mickey divorced in 1975. In 1976 he married Nancy Halvorson and adopted her eight year old son, Sean, in 1977.

Upon retiring, Bob and Nancy committed countless hours volunteering with various conservation organizations.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman whose favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, photography, bird watching, camping, hiking, canoeing and reading. His favorite sport was bird hunting.

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his four children: Ginny, Bryan (Cindy), Craig, (Bucky), Sean (Kristin). Bob has four grandchildren: Lia (Josh Hix), son Reece; Annawyn (Richard Griffin) Ayda, Asher, Ella; granddaughters Kayla and Logan.

Bob's love of life, sense of humor and integrity will be missed by many including his pet family (Max the Cat, Mandy and Foxy).

Read Bob Ballou's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.