Roy Rasmussen

Roy Rasmussen passed away peacefully at his home in Missoula on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, after a short battle with cancer.

Roy was born in Missoula on Oct. 12, 1938. He attended Missoula County High School prior to enlisting in the Air Force at the age of 17 and served for eight years. He married Bobbie on Aug. 31, 1962, in Abilene, Texas, and after his service returned to his hometown to raise his family.

The Rasmussen home was the neighborhood gathering place and trying to dunk Roy in the pool was a legendary experience attempted by many and accomplished by few. Roy also enjoyed fishing and hunting, air shows, classic cars, Easter egg hunts and shooting trap with his sons.

Roy and Bobbie welcomed their first grandchild in March of 1984 and they embraced the joys of being grandparents. They were blessed with nine more grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Roy took great pleasure in his family, he was always eager to hear about the football game, award, vacation or first words. The grandchildren loved to hear the stories of his life, grew to love his teasing, and have passed Dum de Dum Dum down to their little ones.

As president of the local Sons of Norway, Roy established the first "Viking" booth at the Western Montana Fair. The original Vikings became part of the fabric and experience of the fair and few people of Roy's acquaintance escaped from volunteering in the booth.

Roy was proud to be an Ironworker for 34 years in Local 14. His dedication, leadership and pride in a job well done was evident in everything he touched. He had a quick wit and a unique sense of humor which made him known by all and loved by many.

Upon retirement, Roy and Bobbie traveled, hosted pool parties, adopted a flock of ducks and shared tootsie pops, hugs and "I love you's" with all.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Gudmund and Frances Rasmussen and brothers, Virgil and Gudmund. Survivors include wife Bobbie; children, Ed (Jenny), Don (Marie), Tina (David Sanders), Troy (Jodie); grandchildren, Kyle, Kelsey, Kadie (Mike Bowler), Andy, Zach (Cassie), Eric (Becca), Jonathan (Rachel), Morgan, Sammi, Jacob; great-grandchildren, Cypress, Addy, Landon, Cadence. Special thanks to Debbie Heavner.

A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Garden City Funeral Home with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Emergency Responders Support Services, PO Box 863, Missoula 59806.
Read Roy Rasmussen's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.