Robert M. "Bob" Zachariasen

Robert M. Zachariasen came into this world 85 years ago in Lake Andes, South Dakota, and departed it from his home in East Missoula on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. He was always thankful his parents, Hans and Hazel, came to Missoula during the Depression to find work and a life for their family in Missoula's South Side. They raised Bob and their other six children, William, Stanley, Russell, Verda, Viola and Rita. Collectively, they became the proud and still growing "Zach" Clan. His sister Rita and her husband, Jack Baumgardner, survive.

Bob's biggest supporter was Violet Loewen. She became a "Zach" at the age of 19 when she married Bob more than 65 years ago and was by his side until the end. During his last days his children, Ron (Carla), Mike (Debbie) and Darlene (Leo) all said "Goodbye" to their "R.M." – "Pops" – "Zach" – "Bob-ers" and "Dad" as he left his pain behind.

Bob made his living in and from the bounty of Montana's mountains where he started working soon after the eighth grade as a logger and truck driver. Although he lacked diplomas, he was smart. He was an avid reader, who could figure, fix and build about anything. He worked hard and retired from management with Missoula Cartage after 40 years. Never lazy, he then worked a variety of part-time jobs at Bitterroot Motors and GW Petroleum before his full retirement.

When he wasn't working, he played. He could hunt and fish with the best of them. During lean times his skills provided sustenance, not only for his family, but for others in need. Later, he found the company of his hunting and fishing partners more important than the deer, elk, birds or fish he brought home. For more than a decade he found his sons, Mike and Ron, along with friends such as Mike and Chris Novak along the banks of the Blackfoot's North Fork where they would spend most of the fall hunting along with grandsons Jason and Tyler. He trailed behind generations of hunting dogs and set uncountable hooks from the decks of many a boat.

He admired a good shotgun and owned more than he needed. He joined his brother Russ, Ken Roth and Don McCullum to help start the newest Missoula Trap and Skeet Club where they demonstrated their shot-gunning prowess through years of competition while consuming miles of donuts.

Bob liked to compete in other ways too and showing or telling others how. He demonstrated for Vi's brothers why North Dakotans really didn't know much about throwing horseshoes; and his boys didn't know much about shooting or fishing; and his truck-drivers didn't know much about driving; and Griz coaches didn't know much about football. He loved a good laugh and practiced his whenever he could. He liked people and didn't say a bad word about anyone unless it was to their face and they deserved to hear it.

Bob enjoyed riding motorcycles and was an early supporter of The Montana Hope Project which will put any donations made in his memory to good use. The Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604 (montanahope.org/history).

Bob leaves behind his wife; his children; eight grandchildren, Cassie, Tyler, Lindsey, Jason, Abbie, Meghan, Dylan, and Caitlin; four great grandchildren, Matthew, McKenna, Kaylin and Hannah; and his sister.

Services and a reception are planned at the Hope Baptist Church, 7498 Zaugg Drive, Missoula (near Bonner) on Friday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.
Read Robert Zachariasen's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.