Robert Lee Reddish, 63

Robert Lee Reddish, loving father and grandfather, passed away on June 11, 2011, at the age of 63.

He was born in Alliance, Neb., to Vernon and Betty. Bob grew up playing baseball and dreamed of playing professionally. A shoulder injury during a game changed his path toward the military and he ultimately served two tours in the Vietnam War.

After the war Bob married Debra Conrad, settled down in Kinnear, Wyo., and in 1977 their first and only child, Ben, was born. Fly fishing, camping and hunting were a large part of their lives, and Bob relished the time spent teaching his son about the wonders of nature.

In 1996 Bob moved to Missoula and was later joined by Ben. Over the years, they continued to spend many hours together on Rock Creek, the Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers, and more recently, Flathead Lake, chasing elusive trout. Bob had a great appreciation for the outdoors and was often content just sitting quietly on the porch watching the wildlife passing by. He said many times that he learned something everyday by just observing.

Bob was also a gifted carpenter and enjoyed building furniture for himself and his family which will be cherished for generations. Above all else, his greatest pleasure was the time spent with Ben, his daughter in-law Heather, and his two grandsons, Gabriel and Jacob. Bob was blessed with compassionate and true friends and will be missed tremendously by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Services will be private.

 Arrangements are entrusted to Columbia Mortuary.