Robert Papin

And this is where the cowboy rides away.

Robert L Papin age 76, of Billings, after a lengthy and courageous battle against cancer, passed peacefully in the early evening of July 19th with his wife and daughter by his side. Born November 18th, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri to Richard Papin and Virginia Keifer. After Richard & Virginia's divorce, she met Harold Sprague. Harold then moved Virginia, Bob, and Bob's sister Betty to a ranch on the Greenleaf Creek just south of Colstrip, Montana. Bob attended school in Colstrip, competing vigorously in every sport, but excelling in basketball and track.

At the age of 17, Bob enlisted in the Navy. As a Boatswain's Mate during the Vietnam War, he was assigned to the USS Platte - a ship he described as a "floating fueling station". Bob went on to serve his country honorably before being discharged and returning to eastern Montana. From there, Bob worked a variety of jobs ranging from the oil fields of Wyoming to time as a ranch hand, and manager of the Joseph Cafe in Forsyth. He also spent time as Justice of the Peace in Forsyth at the same time he was managing a local bar. His presence in the community could not be missed and his influence could not be denied. In his spare time, he channeled his athletic and competitive spirit into rodeo - where he was skilled at both Bareback and Bull Riding. In his constant search to serve, in 1974 he ran for Sheriff of Rosebud County. During his campaign he met Kathy Fischer, a beautiful, ambitious, blue-eyed nursing student who would quickly become the love of his life. Bob & Kathy wed on June 14th, 1975. Their joyous union produced two beautiful daughters - Angela Marie born in July 1976, and Jessica Anne born in April 1979.

1975 was also a pivotal year in Bob's career. That year he would take a job at the power plant in Colstrip where he joined the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union. The union gave him the opportunity to work jobs at all three refineries in Billings. Again, he felt the call to serve. This time when the Local 30's Business manager retired Bob stepped up and ran uncontested to claim the leadership role. He proudly and faithfully served his union brothers for nearly four decades before making his professional exit in 2010. Over those four decades he left an indelible mark of respect, admiration, and friendship. His work ethic was unquestioned, and he held himself and those around him to the highest of standards, demanded good work, done right, and done right the first time.

Once removed from the professional grind, Bob found peace in retirement gardening and spending time with family. Even in retirement his heart for service led him to countless volunteering opportunities. He was always known as a reliable friend who friends and the less fortunate alike could count on for help or guidance. He cherished his daughters, but his grandchildren truly completed his family and were a constant source of joy during his later years. He was ever present at their sporting events and activities, even pitching in to coach a season of basketball himself along the way. In 2012, he and Kathy graciously adopted two of his grandsons as their own and he felt a feeling of purpose and pride reprising his role of father once again. His adventures with his grandsons were some of his fondest memories. He loved to tell the "snakebite" story of taking his three older grandsons to the river to play - when Luke, at the tender age of 6, lifted a rock only to find a garter snake and matter of factly proclaimed "Damn, boys! I've been snakebit!". His laughter, some 15 years later, almost more than the story itself, was a testament to his admiration of those boys.

Robert L Papin lived a full, and successful life marked by unending devotion, and a sharp bias towards servant leadership. In his 76 years he served his country, he served his community, he served his colleagues, and most of all, he did all that he could to serve his wonderful family. He was devoted to his wife every day since the day they met. He did everything he could to give his daughters and their sons a better life. He was the rugged embodiment of a bygone era. He did tough jobs, in remote places, never asked for much, but gave all he had. He did it all with a gentle heart, a dry wit, and an understated charm that made everyone in his orbit feel special. He was deeply loved and will be right and truly missed, but never forgotten.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Betty, and his daughter Jessie. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy. His daughter Angie (Dan). Sons Beau and Gunner, grandsons, Kole, Luke and John and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be held on Monday, July 29th at Dahl Funeral Home at 10 am at Dahl Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Yellowstone National Cemetery at 55 Buffalo Trail Laurel, MT.

Dad always told us that you can't snow the snowman. Our Snowman has melted.