Robert Scilley

On Tuesday, May 3, 2011, Robert P. Scilley, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Bob was born on May 31, 1932 in Luther, MT to Beulah (Dell) and Bill Scilley, the youngest of their three children. He graduated from Carbon County High School in Red Lodge in 1950. Bob married Bonnie Martin, his high school sweetheart, on May 29, 1953. They had three daughters, Denise, Gail, and Robin, and were blessed with seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Bob attended Eastern Montana College until his fathers heart attack at which time he returned home to drive school bus for his dad. His college venture was never finished as he then joined the U.S. Navy where he served for four years with an honorable discharge in 1956. He then went to work for McKesson-Robbins, Cutter Laboratory, and later became branch manager of Owens-Corning Fiberglass where he worked until his retirement in 1987. A big part of Bobs daily routine was coffee with the guys. “Coffee Club” went to new heights after retirement. Retirement allowed for two breaks one at 7:00 and then again at 9:00. His days ended with relentless reading. He was especially fond of Montana history. Bob worked hard not only at “work”, but also at “play”. He enjoyed the outdoors rifle and bow hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, boating, jet-skiing, and camping. After shooting his first deer at age 10, he never missed the opening day of hunting season. Bob began his love of athletics as a Carbon County Coyote, a basketball and football starter. His journey continued supporting his nephews, Dale and Dan Scilley, and culminated with his grandchildren. Bob was never at a loss for words for athletes and officials alike “I gaarantee it”. Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and their three daughters: Denise (Rolly) Nelson, Gail (Ben) Surwill, and Robin (Arty) Whitmore; his grandchildren: Paul and Matthew Van Valkenburg, Mallory, Devin and Craig Nelson, Meghan (Ken) Cox, and Max (CaraLee) Whitmore, and one great-grandson, Gary Cox. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bill, and his sister, Dorothy Yates. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Billings American Legion Baseball, PO Box 22535, Billings, MT 59104 or charity of your choice. Service: Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 9, at 11 AM at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings.