Robert Edwards

Robert J. Edwards, 55, passed away on Sunday, August 11th, at Community Hospital, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family and friends, who all loved him dearly.

Rob was born in Bozeman, MT, on September 8, 1968, to Bill and Judy Edwards. When he was very young, the family moved to Missoula, where he lived for the rest of his life. Athletics were a huge part of Rob's world-he was highly competitive, and this was a part of him throughout his life, whether it was a Griz football game, or family game night! He graduated from Big Sky High School in 1987, and went on to attend the University of Montana. Here he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1991, and a year later met Jill Dwyer from Butte, MT. They married in 1996, and two of the greatest joys of his life came from that union, Madison and Makenna, his beloved twin daughters. Although his marriage ended when the girls were 4 years old, Jill and Rob continued to co-parent amicably, always putting the girls' needs first. In 2007, he met Dani Smith and her twin children, Brynne and Jared, and 5 years later they married, combining their families.

Rob had a broad skill set, which led to a very diverse body of work. He was a contractor and developer for a few years, right out of college, and from 1998-2004 served as a fiscal manager and accountant for the University of Montana's Athletic Department. In 2009, he earned his master's degree in Healthcare Administration. At this point in his career, he gravitated toward nonprofit organizations-working first at Missoula Aging Services as a Community Engagement/Operations Director for 8 years, then most recently at Red Cross as a Disaster Program Manager, both of which satisfied Rob's deep passion for service to others.

This desire to be of service defined Rob during most of his adult life. All who know him can attest to his deep commitment not only to his family, but neighbors and friends as well, even strangers at times. His family joked that Rob was the person who would run instinctively toward a disaster, not away from it. He was there for his family whenever they needed him, and had a superpower of anticipating their needs when they did not, and acting on that. He was an extraordinary listener, always fully present in a conversation, always there to offer help. He had an irreverent humor, which all who knew him appreciated, even after hearing the same joke for the 100th time! One of the main ways he demonstrated love to his family is by cooking for them. He was an amazing chef, and placed high priority on the family eating together, and loving what they were eating.

Rob was completely devoted to and fiercely proud of his four children, always placing high priority on attending their sporting and academic events. If they needed guidance or support, personally, professionally, or financially, everything else came second to that. The legacy he leaves his children is one of family and service-they will carry this with them the rest of their lives.

Rob is survived by his wife, Dani Smith, Missoula; daughter Madison (Jonathan) Edwards, Oklahoma; daughter Makenna Edwards, Portland; daughter Brynne Smith, Bozeman; son Jared Smith, Bozeman; parents Bill and Judy Edwards, Missoula; sister Deb Davis (Jon), Arizona; nephew Ben Davis, Arizona; niece Staci Davis, Texas; and several uncles and cousins around the country.

A service to celebrate Rob's life will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Saturday, August 31st at 11 am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Red Cross or a charity of your choice. Since Rob was a strong advocate of volunteerism, we would also encourage you to volunteer at a local organization in order to honor his memory.