Robert D. "Bob" Beach

– Having fought the good fight and having finished his work, Robert "Bob" Beach has passed from this realm, leaving a legacy of service to his family, his community, and his country.

His friendship was enduring; his generosities were large; and his life was an inspiration.

The man whose name became synonymous with school busing and charter motor coach transportation in Montana over a career spanning more than six decades died Tuesday April 29, 2014, surrounded by family, at his Missoula home, of natural causes. He was 82.

Bob loved his country with an intense patriotism and was especially proud of his Montana roots. He came from true pioneer stock, his great-grandfather having arrived in Montana Territory in the 1860s by covered wagon.

The son of Raymond and Nellie (Schofield) Beach, Robert David Beach was born on Jan. 15, 1932, and spent his early years in the Bitterroot Valley near Florence. The family later moved to Missoula, where he attended Paxson Grade School and Missoula County High School. Graduating in 1950, Bob went to the University of Montana (then Montana State University) and earned a B.A. degree in secondary education in 1954.

At UM, Bob was a standout letterman and an "M" Club member, participating in track and field under the tutelage of the late Harry Adams. In 1954, Bob was captain of the track team and winner of the Skyline 8 Conference shot put and discus events. Bob was always proud to be a "Griz" and continued his involvement with student athletes, serving as a high school football and basketball referee for many years.

After college, Bob served in the Air Force, then returned to Missoula to join his father at Beach Transportation and to marry his high school and college sweetheart, Helen Ring, on Aug. 11, 1956.

Together, Helen and Bob worked side by side, raised their three children and had an enduring romance that lasted for more than 57 years.

Bob met the business world with confidence and won success through fairness, hard work and Scottish determination. He grew his family business from a one-bus operation founded by his father in the 1940s to an organization that employs 170 people and provides school bus transportation services to more than 3, 500 Missoula-area school children as well as charter bus services for athletic teams and other customers from throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Though he owned and operated Beach Transportation, Bob was no stranger to the highways and byways over which his fleet of school buses and modern, long-distance Beachliner charter coaches traveled. He loved to drive and personally traveled well in excess of a million safe miles during his career.

While at the helm of a Beachliner motorcoach, he especially enjoyed being a part of young people's lives, driving them to a myriad of school activities and events. From music to history to forestry to all manner of sports trips, he considered it a great honor and a high calling to be in charge of safely transporting countless students to their destinations.

He was a strong supporter of Missoula schools and believed that education was the key to bettering society and protecting individual freedoms. Many a young person was encouraged to finish a high school or college education at the not-so-gentle prodding of Bob Beach.

Over the years, he garnered many professional and community-service awards. Among them, Bob and Beach Transportation were three-time recipients of "The Golden Merit Award," given to the top 10 school bus operators in the nation. He was also the recipient of the Montana Pupil Transportation Association's "Montana Transportation Person of the Year." Further honors include the Ray Rocene "Sportsman of the Year Award" for outstanding community volunteerism and service to Missoula area youth, and UM's "Community Service Award" given to Bob and Helen for excellence in service to the residents of Missoula, the citizens of the state of Montana and to the University of Montana.

He also held memberships in many organizations, including the Sigma Chi fraternity; Missoula Lodge 13 A.F.&A.M., the Scottish Rite and the Bagdad Shrine; the American Legion; the UM Alumni Association and the Grizzly Scholarship Association.

Bob is survived by his wife Helen of Missoula; son Greg and wife Doreen of Missoula; daughter Diana and husband Randy Heinrichs of Missoula; son Scott and wife Shannon of Missoula, along with eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Graeter of Tacoma, Washington, and Karen Adams of Missoula, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Nellie Beach.

From dust we came, and unto dust we must return. Because of the spirit in man, death cannot have the victory. That which we call death is but the gateway to life immortal, for the life of the spirit does not die. Bob has passed from our circle, and yet, in our hearts, is the confidence that his living spirit hovers near. His loyalty was grounded in his faith, and for the higher ideals of life in its service to man and reverence to God. We bid, at last, a long farewell. Be at rest from thy labors and rest in peace. Amen.

Garden City Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Cremation has taken place. Remembrances may be sent to the family online at missoulafuneralhomes.com.

Bob's family invites friends to a Memorial Reception at Garden City Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, May 14 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St., Missoula with the Rev. Glen Moyer officiating. A reception will follow at the Church. Memorial donations can be made to the Grizzly Scholarship Association c/o the University of Montana, Adams Center, Suite 139, Missoula, MT 59812, or the charity of your choice.
Read Robert Beach's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.