Robert Albert Giffin

After 89 successful years of traversing life's peaks and valleys, Robert (Bob) Albert Giffin of Missoula, reached his final summit on November 15, 2024 and was able to join his dad, Robert H Giffin, his mom, Martha J Harkness/Giffin, his older brother Richard (Dick) Giffin and his twin William (Bill) Giffin in a new and glorious journey that awaits us all. 

Bob's journey in this life began on April 9, 1935 when Bob and Martha Giffin were blessed with him and his twin brother Bill. A sense of humor was hereditary. If anyone knew Bob and his brothers they know they always had a joke to lighten the mood. It was hard to be in a bad mood around the brothers. If you ask Bob for him it started at birth when, as he tells it, he was born first because he was running out of womb and if it wasn't for Bill he would've been born with two heads. 

Bob, like his brothers, loved people. He thrived when in a crowd and entertaining those around him. His soul lit up and re-energized everyone near whenever he was able to brighten someone's day with a joke, one-liner, or just a smile. 

Being born and raised in Missoula, Bob had the privilege of experiencing the uniqueness of Missoula from the earliest times. While in high school, Bob and his brothers worked at the family restaurant, The Hamburger King. He and his twin brother also worked at the Florence Hotel where they took turns operating the automotive elevator in the Pigeon Hole Garage and being bellhops, relishing in the confusion of guests when they saw the same person parking their car also carrying their baggage to their rooms.

It was also in high school that Bob met his future bride and lifelong companion, Joyce Worden. It was an immediate love affair and soon Bob and Joyce married on April 27th 1957 and they started a family. Bob was able to secure an advertising and marketing job with the JC Penney Company to support his family and his love of volunteering. They managed to have 5 boys, Bobby, Brad, Brian, Brent, and Bruce. With 5 boys to feed it wasn't easy but they managed and were able to make their home in East Missoula where they remained for over 50 years. Their partnership was a strong one that lasted for almost 68 years before Bob had to leave to start his new journey. It is certain that a bond like that will survive into the next journey. 

His outgoing and friendly personality made it easy for Bob to help people and gave him a natural avenue to provide others with service and support. He enjoyed volunteering his time in many public service duties that included the National Guard, the East Missoula Volunteer Fire Department, the Missoula County Reserve Deputy Unit where he served as Chief for 30 years, and Saint Patrick Hospital. Of all his volunteer opportunities, he enjoyed the Reserve Deputy Unit the most. The friends and colleagues he met there ended up being some of his best lifelong friends. This opportunity also allowed him to become a court bailiff after his retirement from the JC Penney Company where he continued his life of service. 

Bob is survived by his bride, Joyce Giffin, his sons, Robert (Bobby) and Yong Giffin of Brighton CO, Brad and Rosalind Giffin of Missoula, Brian Giffin of High Point NC, Brent Giffin of High Point NC, Bruce and Kathy Giffin of Missoula, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and too many to mention loving and caring friends. 

The family doesn't plan on an immediate service, rather they will plan on a memorial in the spring so it's easier for people to attend. More information will be made available at that time.