Bobby Charles Miles

Bobby Charles Miles, 85, of Missoula, left us peacefully at home with his family by his side to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013. He was born to Harold and Erma Miles in Darby on Feb. 11, 1928.

His parents instilled every good quality you could wish for in a son: loving, caring, respectfulness, honesty, loyalty, kindness and strong family values. All these teachings he passed on to future generations. He was a Christian, genuine and real, fearless, strong and generous, never asking for anything in return and always the first to offer a helping hand.

Bob attended high school in Anaconda and graduated from Huntington Beach, Calif. Bob was a paratrooper for the Airborne Rangers in the Korean War in 1951. He graduated with a degree from the University of Montana, while also playing for his beloved Griz football team in 1954-55.

Bob always said the smartest thing he ever did was to marry his loving wife, Jerry. They married on Jan. 21, 1956, in Superior. She was the true love of his life and he was devoted to her until his last breath. Together they raised a beautiful family, with three amazing children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Bob had a special and uniquely individual relationship with each of his children that they will forever cherish. As a family they spent their weekends camping and fishing at the lake.

Bob and Jerry were avid Griz fans, attending basketball and football games. He was a proud dad and grandpa, and always the loudest cheerleader in the stands.

Bob worked as a guard at the Montana State Prison and worked his way up to the director of the Board of Pardons. He tried his hand at business ownership in Anaconda and Missoula. He later retired from the University of Montana.

His love for his family and friends were expressed every day, no words necessary. However, they'll never forget his signature greeting of "Hey, Bub," as it will always replay in their hearts. His wit, sense of humor and stories were even "larger" than Bob himself. When not tinkering around or having lunch at the Bodega with his Goosetown gang, he was found cheering on his Griz, telling a story or going for a walk.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Erma Miles; brother, Gene Miles; grandson, Keaton Miles; sister-in-law, Donna Nooney; and many good friends.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jerry; children, Louie and Debbie Miles, Linda Cardinal and Laurie Miles; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jenny, Joe and Keaton McGillis, Bobbi and Brandon MacDonald, Carisa, Caleb and Kailee Cardinal, and Keri and Keoki Cardinal.

His family would like to give a very special thanks to Hospice of Missoula for its invaluable care, love and support, as well as Veterans Affairs and Dr. Selbach, who took special care of Bob over the years.

Visitation will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at St. Anthony Parish with a reception to follow. The family asks that you bring your favorite story of Bobby to share. Military graveside services will be held at noon Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob's name to Friends of Missoula Parks' Keaton Miles Fund, Missoula Hospice or the Griz Football '54 Scholarship, a project in which Bob was passionate about.

Arrangements are under the direction of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.

Read Bobby Miles's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.