Robert Groom

Robert Groom

86, of Libby

Our father, Robert (Bob) Lyle Groom, 86, left us Feb. 10, 2016 in Kalispell. He fought a valiant fight against prostate cancer for 11 years. He was born in Sheridan, Wyo., on Jan. 21, 1930. He spent his youngest years in Lodge Grass on the Crow Indian Reservation.

His family then moved to a small ranch on Duck Creek, near Springdale, at the foot of the Crazy Mountains. He truly loved his life there, fishing, hunting, shooting and riding his horse to school with his little sister Audrey. Bob attended high school in Big Timber and graduated Salutarian.  

He attained his private pilot’s license. After graduation, he flew spray planes, worked as a ranch hand and mechanic on farm equipment. In the fall of 1951, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was sent to boot camp at Camp Cook, Calif. On Dec. 23, 1951, he married Patsy Murphy. He then was shipped to Korea where he served his country with honor.

Bob and Patsy settled into a life in Big Timber after his honorable discharge. He worked several jobs including Sweetgrass County Undersheriff.

In April of 1954, Bob and Patsy welcomed Susan Lynn to the world and in February of 1958 James Robert was born. In March of 1965 Rod Jay was welcomed into the family.

Bob became an expert marksman as a small bore rifle competitor with the Big Timber Shooting Team. He won many matches. On Halloween of 1964, the family moved to Libby where Bob worked for St. Regis Paper and Lumber Company and later for Champion International until he retired.

Bob’s biggest love was flying. He made a second career flying fire watch and attack for Montana and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as scenic flights. He was also a flight instructor, teaching many people to fly. He was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award in January, 2005 for 50 years of no accidents or citations. That meant the world to him.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Patsy Groom; daughter Sue (Rick); sons Jim and Rod (Kim); grandchildren Zoe, Zeb, A’Laina, Jade, Owen, Boyd and Hanarose; and Kelly Webb and her two daughters Lynda and Tanasha.

Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the Libby Christian Church. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Libby Veteran’s Memorial or the Libby Christian Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.