Robert R. Ferris

Robert R. Ferris (Bob), of Missoula, MT died at St. Patrick's Hospital surrounded by family on June 24, 2015. He was 70 years old.
Bob is survived by his children, Melissa Ferris of Las Vegas, NV and Bret Ferris of Missoula, MT; his twin brother William (Bill) and Christy Ferris of Duvall, WA, his ex-wife Doreen Ferris of Seattle, WA and his beloved dog, Beau of Missoula, MT. He is preceded in death by his parents David and Eva Ferris of Manitoba, Canada.
Bob was born on June 15, 1945 in Vancouver BC to David and Eva Ferris along with his twin brother, Bill. The two boys "Billy and Bobby" were side by side from the start. The family moved to Seattle, WA in 1950, where Bob and Bill attended and graduated from Ingram High School in 1963. Bob and Bill both entered into the US Marine Corps that same year. Bob fought in Vietnam as part of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines, who earned the name "The Walking Dead" for its high casualty rate. The battalion endured the longest sustained combat and suffered the highest killed in action (KIA) rate in Marine Corps history. Based on a typical battalion strength of 800, 747 were KIA. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1968.

In Seattle, Bob met and married Doreen. Early in their marriage they resided in Whitefish, MT where they had their daughter Melissa in 1978, soon after they returned back to Seattle where their son, Bret, was born in 1982. Bob was a firm believer in enjoying every moment, working hard then taking a few days off to fish, camp or hunt. He spent time working for the railroad and ski patrol while in Montana before returning to Seattle where he installed flooring for a living. He even sold photos on occasion at some of the local markets under the name "Praise Bob Photography". He was skilled in many areas as there wasn't much he couldn't do, a true Jack of all trades. Bob had an extreme love for dogs, and was always found with one or more by his side, lastly being his beloved dog Beau. He took great joy in coaching his son Bret's baseball and basketball teams for many years. Bob and Doreen later divorced however his kids were always his top priority. He later went to school and became a CNA to help provide care to aging seniors, including his own mother. Bob later met Alison, his girlfriend for the next 12yrs, as he lived in Vancouver, WA, then later the two moved to Port Isabel, TX. He continued to live his life enjoying the outdoors, fishing, hunting, riding his Harley, touring the country in his trailer and camping.
Bob suffered from a heart attack and underwent a quadruple bypass surgery in 2012 and continued to have ongoing health issues from then on. In 2014 he moved to Missoula, MT to be closer to family. Up until his last breath, all he wanted was to take his boat on the lake and do a little fishing.
Bob passed away peacefully at St. Patrick's Hospital with his two children and brother by his side. He had just celebrated his 70th birthday. He left on his own with no machines assisting him, as he would have wanted, hating hospitals and never wanting to be in them. He will be remembered as a loving father, a passionate coach, a lifelong fan of Bud Light and more than anything else, a man with a tremendous heart.
A service in Bob's honor will be held in Seattle at Bitter Lake Community Center (13035 Linden Ave N. Seattle WA 98133) on Saturday, August 1st 2015 from 3-5pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob's life. Flowers and Condolences can be brought to the service or sent to Melissa and Bret Ferris at 2137 N. 150th Shoreline, WA 98133 as the service date nears.


Read Robert Ferris's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.