Robert J. 'Bob' Taylor

Robert J. “Bob” Taylor passed away early Saturday morning, Oct. 22, 2016, after an extended battle with lung cancer at his home on Middle Thompson Lake that he shared with his love of over 35 years, Linda.

Bob, an avid sportsman, was surrounded by Linda and his family as he set out on his newest adventure on the opening day of hunting season.

Bob was born in Libby on Oct. 7, 1942 to Glenn and Gladys Taylor. He was a lifetime resident of Libby where he attended Libby schools and at the age of 16 started his career in the logging and construction industries. He met and married Sandra Jordan in 1961 and they had three children. They were later divorced and Bob met and married his lifetime partner, Linda Sheasby. Bob and Linda traveled extensively for work, and in 1993 started their gold prospecting business, Gold Miser. They spent the next 22 years wintering in Quartzsite, Ariz., where their business was based. Bob and Linda made many friends in the prospecting community around the world and gained a reputation for their knowledge and quality service. Bob was a natural-born salesman who truly enjoyed sharing his knowledge with other prospectors. He was always full of advice, whether you wanted to hear it or not. In 2012, Bob and Linda sold their successful business and bought their dream home on Middle Thompson Lake where they spent the following years enjoying family reunions, holidays, and many activities with family and friends. When told that his condition was terminal, his doctor’s advice was to spend time doing things he’d always wanted to do. Bob’s response was that he had already done everything he’d wanted to do. His life was full of adventure and challenges, all which were met head on at full speed.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Beverly Miller (Lester), and a brother, Jack Taylor (Sarah).

He is survived by his wife, Linda, and their five children, Robert “Butch Taylor, Kalispell, Shannon Drapeau (Cody), Libby, Patty McLain, Libby, Joe Sheasby, Spokane Valley, Wash., and Shelly Taylor-Fletcher (Jim), Libby; nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Judy Taylor, Bill Taylor (Mary John), Harlem, Mont.; Sally Taylor, Klamath Falls, Ore.; Andy Holcomb (Ken), Libby; Paul Taylor (Wynema), Klamath Falls, Ore.; and Valli Hume (Wally), Fortine, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob’s wishes were to be cremated and his life to be celebrated privately with his family. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.