Robert Lee Bob Bishop

Robert Lee "Bob" Bishop, 78, of Vancouver, Washington, formerly of Wilsall, Montana was found deceased of natural causes on Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 in the Shields Valley. Dad was born August 17, 1937 to William Woodruff and Lucille Jane Bishop in Sheridan, Wyoming. The family moved to Wilsall/Sedan area where he and his sister Patricia Joann were raised. Through his young years he was greatly influenced by his Uncles that were in World War II. His Mom hand made an identical matching uniform which he wore proudly, he adored his Uncles. As he became old enough to be involved in 4/H, he entered steers that were groomed top notch. As a young teenager he herded sheep in the Bridger and Crazy Mountains, he loved the outdoors. Later in his adult life he guided Dudes in the Bridger Mountains for Tom Brogan, he was truly an All American Cowboy from birth! When he was 5 or 6 he would beg his Dad to let him ride the steers and ponies which led to many bumps and bruises, it never stopped him for a minute. Dad shared so many wonderful life lessons and stories with his children and grandchildren. They grew to keenly watch his face for signs of that tall tale he would tell, because a tall tale would conjure up a wrinkling up of his nose. Dad consistently sent birthday, Christmas, and Anniversary cards to all of his family never leaving anyone out. He had the purest loving heart of anyone Ive ever known, rarely saying an ill word about anyone, and always ready to forgive. His laughter was so infectious and bold you would know where he was in a crowd. Dad and the love of his life, Carol, his constant companion shared their lives together until Mom passed. They were married 59 years. They raised four children: Sherry, Niki, Wayne, and Randy. Of these, seven wonderful Grandchildren entered their lives: Travis, Stephanie, Christopher, Jamie, Jessica, Austin and Weston. Then came the Great Grandchildren: Ethan, Ellesin, Penny, Adam and Khole. Dad loved them all very much! Dads passion was loving and taking care of his family (his #1 priority). As a memory in our youth Dad would make us homemade milkshakes and then sing and play his guitar. We so looked forward to those times and did up to his passing. Dad supported us all with any decisions we made whether he agreed or not. He would pick us up and or take us anywhere we needed to go. Whether it meant he was awakened from his sleep he was always there for us. Dad and Mom enjoyed traveling on their Goldwing. They traveled many miles with the wind in their faces and loving every adventure they went on. Dad was what you would call a jack of all trades. He herded sheep, guided dudes, read meters in Billings, ranched, farmed, painted homes, barns and anything needing it. He did leather work, carved, he worked for several shoe stores, worked as a welder on the docks in Portland, OR, and retired from RRDonnelly. He then could enjoy square dancing and ball room dancing with Mom and many others. For the last nine years Dad continued his devotion to our Mom, by going to the Nursing home twice a day, once in the morning to tend to her breakfast and returning in the evening to tend to her dinner. He became a fixture at Prestige Care Facility in Camas WA. The staff loved his sense of humor and that he cared deeply for all the people there. He would bring his guitar weekly to play for the residents and the staff. It was requested of him to play the role of Santa Claus at the facility several years in a row. Dad was proceeded in passing by his loving wife Carol lee Bishop. He is survived by his sister Patricia J. McPhee and all his loving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss him terribly, but we all believe he and Mom are square dancing in Heaven. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.