Robert E. Lay

He always said he'd go until there was nothing left. On, Sunday, March 16, Robert E. "Bob" Lay ran out of life.

Born in East Cleveland, Ohio, to Charles and Clarisa Robertson Lay on June 25, 1943, Bob grew up in Ohio until he entered the U.S. Navy in 1962. He was honorably discharged as an MM2 (E5) machinist mate on August 29, 1966.

He then entered into a 35-year career in the telecommunications industry starting out as a cable splicer in the manholes of New York City. He retired from PTI/CenturyTel in Dolores, Colo. in 1998, but then reentered the workforce as a superintendent with Wilde Construction Company of Shevlin, Minn., responsible for construction of large fiber optic projects. From 2000 until his true retirement in 2004 he was a nationwide construction project manager for Bechtel Construction and Engineering of San Francisco.

Bob's accomplishment that provided him the most pride was his family. In January 1964 he met his wife Patricia "Pat" Sheridan. They were married on October 28, 1967 in New York City. In 1969 Bob and Pat moved to Colorado.

Subsequently, Suzanne Janet was born on January 14, 1971, and James Robert ("Jimbob") on December 25, 1974, in Longmont, Colo. On September 4, 1994, Suzanne married Thurston Elfstrom. Together the five of them have had many grand and glorious adventures, which Bob was sure would continue in the future. All five were together to share Bob's final moments.

Bob enjoyed all of life to its fullest. Two principles he lived by were to tell the truth at all times and never pass up an opportunity to help somebody.

He was very active in Kalispell's Trinity Lodge #152 and Algeria Shrine Temple, as well as Helena's Algeria Shrine Temple. As a Shriner he was involved in helping children with disabilities receive the best care possible. He also served on the Flathead County school board, where he advocated for young adults — particularly those who struggled within the traditional school system.

He was a lifetime member of the International Fly Fishing Federation, where many of his contributions centered on teaching fly tying. In 1994 he chaired the national convention, held in Kalispell. In 2008 he was honored with the Charles E. Brooks Memorial Award and the Dick Nelson Fly Tying Teaching Award — the highest award the FFF bestows to a member for excellence in fly tying teaching.

Bob and Pat moved to Helena in 2006. He then became active with Montana Project Healing Waters, Inc. He was subsequently the recipient of the highest civilian award the National Guard can issue, the Adjutant General's Distinguished Patriot Medal, for his work with Project Healing Waters. He went on to serve as board member and board president.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Carolyn Virginia Anderson. He is survived by his brother, Richard (Carol) of Oakdale, Penn.; sister Frederica Irwin (Don) of Arden, N.C.; good friend and brother Carl Mucha (Jane) of Union, Ky.; along with his immediate family and close friends in the Masonic and fly fishing communities throughout the nation.

A memorial service and celebration will take place at one of Bob's favorite spots along the Missouri river on June 28, 2014. To receive additional details email CelebrationForBob@yahoo.com. The service is open to anyone who would like to share stories about Bob.

If so inclined, contributions can be made to Flathead Shrine Club Transportation Fund, PO Box 762, Kalispell MT, 59903; or Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., PO Box 695, La Plata, MD 20646 (please earmark your donation for Montana).



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