Robert Arnold “Bob” Woodhouse, 72, died or as he liked to say, he was called home to the Big Aquarium In the Sky after a two year siege with cancer. He died peacefully at home July 16, 2017
Bob was born to “Woody” Arnold Ernest Woodhouse and “Dani” Hazel Adelide Danielson in Compton, Calif. September 24, 1944. He grew up in Swan Valley where his grandparents owned Holland Lake Lodge. Bob graduated from Missoula County High School in 1963 and entered the Navy in 1964. Trained as an aircraft mechanic, Bob served as an airman on helicopter flight crews in Iceland, the Mediterranean and Virginia for his 4 year duty.
After military service Bob worked at his step-father Alvin Rovero’s businesses in Seeley Lake and attended the University of Montana earning a BA in psychology and sociology in 1972. He always said that he promptly put his degree to use convincing his customers to purchase fish and tanks when he began The Aquarium Shop that year. When the area saw a growth of large stores, Bob became an expert in premium pet foods and added Dogfood Express to challenge the competition.
Bob delighted in creating humorous newspaper advertisements using his “boys,” his current pet dogs at the time as the characters. His boys also worked at the shop greeting customers and rough housing with children who wanted to play. Bob had a strong love for animals throughout his life. Kitty Moms’ Rescue Organization hosted many events at the Aquarium Shop, he helped many a dog and cat find good homes, and when a destitute veteran came to Bob for help for his dog who had a large abscess, Bob not only helped him find a veterinarian but he worked with Kitty Moms to begin the Veterinary Assistance Fund, a 501 c3 charity. Although Bob liked to present himself as a “tough businessman,” he had a softer side and was always helping those in trouble, those in need or those who needed a new start.
Avid interests included boating on Flathead Lake, owning and driving fast cars, fishing, shooting trap and skeet every Sunday with his buddies at the Bigfork Gun Club, and being with family, friends and his boys.
Bob is survived by his sister Judie Woodhouse of Polson, step-brother Loren Bartelt of Polson, the Aquarium Shop’s longtime manager Darel Ridenour, current employees Kelly Dixon, Shaw Robinson, Jessica Knoll, and volunteer Chrissy Siefke, his many past employees spread across the country, his good friends Bob and Paula Smith, Mike and Kathy Smith, Chris Colvin, Tom Baker, Dugan Anderson, Stuart Cole, Carla Kelly, Matt Soteros, Mary Jo Kelly, and current set of boys: Willie, Monte and Rusty.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jose Ness and the wonderful, caring, professional staff at The Rock’s Northwest Oncology Infusion Center. Everyone there became a family of friends to Bob.
A special thanks to Shaw Robinson who was with Bob and Judie for the last several days. Upon Bob’s wish, no services are planned. A celebration of life will be scheduled later.