Robert H. Newman

MISSOULA – Robert H. Newman, 97, passed away peacefully at the Village Health Care Center on Friday, March 15, 2013.

Bob was born to Henry F. and Florence Alice Newman in Missoula on Feb. 13, 1916. He attended Whittier grade school and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1934. That same year Bob, along with his father and brother Bill, constructed one of the first cabins on the south shore of Placid Lake.

In 1939, he married Gyda Monrad and began a career working for Safeway stores, eventually becoming manager of the meat departments in Philipsburg and later in Hamilton.

In 1943, Bob was hired by the Northern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman/conductor. After a 33-year career with the railroad, he retired and moved to the Swan Valley, settling on Glacier Creek Road. His old-time railroad buddies knew him by his nickname of "Mush."

Bob and Gyda purchased the old Monrad homestead in the Swan Valley in 1945 and constructed a cabin on Elk Creek, which is still used by the family today.

Bob loved to hunt and fish. His favorite areas included the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Placid Lake area, and Elk Creek in the Swan Valley. He had a great love for his animals, dogs, horses and mules.

He was a 50-plus-year member of Missoula Masonic Lodge No. 13 and a 33-year member of the United Transportation Union.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill, and his wife, Gyda, of 64 years.

Bob is survived by his son, Lawrence (Nadine) of Missoula, and daughter Louise Malvey (Jim) of Butte; granddaughter Laurie Watkins, and great- grandchildren, Jordan and Kyle Watkins, all of Missoula.

At Bob's request there will be no service. Anyone wishing to honor him may do so by making a donation to the Swan Valley Ecology Center, 6887 Montana Highway 83, Condon, MT 59826, or the Humane Society of Western Montana at 5930 Highway 93 S., Missoula, MT 59804.

Garden City Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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