Robert "Bob" Solie

Robert "Bob" Solie passed away peacefully April 18, 2016, five days after being diagnosed with cancer. Bob was born Aug. 14, 1936, in Barron Wis., to Magne and Elsie Solie, between brothers Bill and Lee. He always said he was so thankful to be born in the best time, in the best place, to the best parents. Bob spent his youth in Wisconsin and then spent two years in the military stationed in Louisiana. He returned north venturing to Montana, where he settled for life. Bob had many vocations, teacher in Wolf Point, where he and wife Muriel had daughter Suzanne lived. After two years they moved to Billings, where Bob ultimately settled on a career in Life Insurance.

His sons Todd and Peter were born in Billings and Todd passed at 6 months old. Bob was awarded Jaycee's Young Man of the Year in 1967 by Paul Harvey. Bob and wife Ann welcomed daughter Jennifer in 1971. To say he lived life large doesn't do him justice. He raised many non-biological children that he loved as his own including Jeff Williams, Han and Tan, and the Rodriquez clan. Bob was a cowboy of the first order, a pilot, a storyteller and all around character. He thought nothing of disrupting Park City School (the whole school) to deliver donuts to his grandkids or bringing work to a halt because he had "an idea". Bob was a real estate salesman later in life until his 65th year when he found his passion. Every day for the last 15 years Bob drove out to Special K Ranch where he was the equestrian program leader and most importantly "Grandpa Bob" to all there. His deep abiding faith in his Lord, his love for the residents, and staff at the ranch and his delight in life are irreplaceable. Bob never missed a chance to talk about his God or his love for Special K. Three short years age Bob married the light of his life Mary Rivers, they adventured and delighted in each other until his passing.

Bob is survived by Mary, his brother Lee, his daughters Sue and Jenn, and his son Pete. Grandchildren Alynne, Todd, Thomas(deceased), Nancy, Brayton, and Zoe. Great-grandchildren Faith, Haley, Vadania, Markus and Isaac. Many, many nieces and nephews and by love claimed others, including in-laws. Memorials honoring Bob should be sent to Special K Ranch Box 479 Columbus, MT 59019. Services will be at 11 a.m., April 25 at Columbus Evangelical Church in Columbus. It is going to be a party! Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting smithfuneralchapels.com.