Bob Burgad

After a two-year battle with cancer, Robert George Burgad, 76, decided to spend Christmas in heaven this year. He departed for his journey home Dec. 17, 2014, very peacefully, with the sun shining on his face and surrounded by loved ones. Bob was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and faithful friend. Those of us who had the privilege of sharing his life here on Earth have no doubt that when he met his savior he heard the words we all long to hear one day: "Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done." We will miss him greatly and hold him dear to our hearts until we meet again.

Bob was born in 1938 in Napoleon, North Dakota, to Stephen and Elizabeth Burgad. After graduating from Loyola Sacred Heart, he served in the Army and then returned home to Missoula, where he met the love of his life, Sharon Strack. Bob and Sharon raised their two children, Debi and Dan, and shared 52 wonderful years together. Bob retired from GSA/Forest Service after 38 years of employment. Bob's favorite place to be was the cabin he built with his father at Lake Inez. Through the years the cabin has been a gathering place for hundreds of friends and family members and has provided memories beyond belief! Thanks to Bob and Sharon, the cabin will continue to be a cherished place for many more generations – a place we can feel close to Bob and reflect on his legacy.

In heaven, Bob joined his parents, Steve and Liz; twin sister, Dimpy (Gil) Tyler; and brothers Roger and Denny. In spirit, he will continue to watch over his wife, Sharon; children, Debi (Vann) and Dan (Tiffany); sisters, Barb (Jim) Robbins, Jeanette (Brad) Harr and Jennifer (Roger) Giachetti; brother, Mark (Betty); and sister-in-law, Ruth Burgad. He will also proudly watch over his wonderful grandchildren, Cody, Hailey, Tomi, Olivia and Easton, who are missing their Grandpa and wondering how their broken things will ever get fixed.

The family would like to thank Bob's closest friends who continued to visit him faithfully, including Jim and Marsha Howard and Neal and Carol Maier, along with Partners in Home Care hospice team and the Montana Cancer Center who gave him great care. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, followed by a reception at Garden City Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Bob and in honor of Easton, who lives with the disease.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at missoulafuneralhomes.com.
Read Bob Burgad's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.