Bobby “Bob” Gene Hand passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 18, 2017. After a spirited fight he succumbed to heart failure.
Bob was born on June 6, 1932, to Verne and Angie Hand near Columbus, Kansas. Beginning as a young boy it seemed he always had a job, starting as a pin setter in a bowling alley, a bag and stock boy, a soda jerk, a movie projectionist, a life guard, an apprentice carpenter, and a TNT pourer in a bomb factory.
Bob served our country in the Army as a heavy equipment operator and then as a communications specialist in Anchorage, Alaska. It was here he met the love of his life, Esther Gabrielson, who was teaching at a local school. They married June 27, 1955, in St. James, Minnesota; they had been together for over 61 years until Esther’s passing in January of this year.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education of Physical Education degree at Baker University in Kansas where he also played on the basketball team. He earned his Master of Education degree at Southern Illinois University, also majoring in phys ed. He spent a sabbatical year at Stanford University in California earning graduate credits in science education.
Because of his enthusiasm for learning, Bob spent most of his professional career in the education field. He taught junior high school physical education, spelling, math and science while in California. Upon moving his family to Montana he joined the staff at Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) and was instrumental in launching the Adult Basic Education program where he served as its director for 20 years. During this time he served in leadership positions for the Montana Adult Education Association and also as the acting dean of students. He coached the FVCC Inter-Collegiate Women’s Basketball team for a couple of years as well.
Bob was an avid sports fan and played both competitively and casually all his life. He played handball for over 20 years (as long as his knees held out) then switched his attention to golf. He held bragging rights to a hole-in-one at Buffalo Hill, and one at Village Greens as well. He closely followed his best-loved football and basketball teams, pro and college, and enjoyed cheering on his favorite pro golfers. After he and Esther retired, they were “snowbirds” as they wintered in Wickenberg, Arizona, where they played golf, volunteered at a local museum and enjoyed the sunshine. Bob loved music, spending time with his dog, reading, solving puzzles and church life.
Bob never lost his curiosity for life. He was a great listener and loved to talk to people. His open and trusting nature sometimes got the better of him but those times didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. His optimism was inspiring.
He was preceded in death by his wife Esther, his parents Verne and Angie Hand, and his sister Betty Lyerla.
Bob is survived by his children, Mark G. Hand of Caldwell, Idaho, Sonja H. Border of Missoula, and Rebecca Hand-Smith of Kalispell; his grandchildren, Heather B. Grutsch and Kristen B. Patton, both of Missoula; his great-grandchildren, Grace, Brandon and Claire Grutsch of Missoula; and his sister Lynn Channer of Wichita, Kansas.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 3, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.