Robert C. Girard

Robert C. Girard, Born January 22, 1932 - Died June 19, 2007. Born to Colby and Viola Girard in Aberdeen, South Dakota on January 22, 1932, Robert went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, June 19th, 2007. He was a graduate of Miltonvale Wesleyan College in Miltonvale, KS, and was an internationally recognized speaker and best selling author of seven published books, including "Brethren Hang Loose" (1972), the Bible Commentary Sunday school curriculum for Scripture Press/David C Cook Publishers, and his most recent A Smart Guide To The Bible- The Book Of Acts, released on June 19th, the morning he died. Selah. During his 50+ years in ministry, Bob shepherded several churches in 4 different states. In 1965, he packed up and moved his family from Minneapolis, MN to Scottsdale, AZ where he lived for 14 years and founded Our Heritage Wesleyan Church (now Scottsdale Wesleyan). While at Our Heritage, "Pastor Bob" impacted thousands of lives through his devotion to Jesus Christ and His Word, his creative and innovative approach to ministry, and his fierce commitment to the body of Christ, his fellow believers. In 1981 the family relocated north to Lake Montezuma, AZ. There Bob strapped on a set of nail bags, built his family a home with his own hands, and settled in to the new community. He loved his new life, where some of his favorite activities were chopping wood to heat his house, driving the local school bus, and singing with his wife and family in various community and church events, where his signature deep resonant voice moved listeners to ponder just what God might sound like. He enjoyed especially his years as fireman and engineer for the local volunteer fire department. Bob is loved and respected in the community and was scheduled to be co- Grand Marshall of this year's Fourth-of-July parade in Lake Montezuma, along with his wife, Audrey. Bob finished out his professional ministry at Montezuma Chapel in Lake Montezuma, where he pastored for over for 17 years and has remained an elder since retiring in 1998. He is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his wife of 55 years, Audrey, of Lake Montezuma, his children- Christine Poehls and her husband Vern of Chandler, AZ, Charity Worden and her husband Scott of Lake Montezuma, and Bobby Girard and his wife, Meghan, of Brush Prairie, WA, thirteen grand children, three great-grand children, his step-mother Leila Girard, and 8 brothers and sisters- Carol Gregg, Wendell Girard, Tommy Girard, Charlotte Girard, Marilyn Jacobson, Susan Quattlebaum, Darlene Komora, and Colby Girard, Jr. Bob is now joyfully reunited with his children who preceeded him in death- Dixi, Jean Marie, and Billy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Montezuma Chapel (PO Box 5053, Lake Montezuma, AZ 86342). Services will be Saturday, June 23, 2007, beginning with a viewing at 2pm at Montezuma Chapel at 3450 Rusty Spurs Road in Lake Montezuma. Memorial Service will follow. Bob will be interred at 7pm at Middle Verde Cemetery. Dad loved sunsets. Bueler Camp Verde Funeral Home assisted the family.