Bob Woodmansey

Great Falls —Robert "Bob" Woodmansey passed away on Friday, February 24, at the age of 80.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday March 4th at 2:00PM at the Great Falls First Presbyterian Church.

Bob was raised on Upper Highwood Creek east of Great Falls and enjoyed spending time there throughout his life. His education began in a one-room schoolhouse on Highwood Creek. He graduated from Highwood High School, where he played six-man football and was active in 4-H and FFA.

He earned a B.S. degree in agricultural economics and a M.S. degree in Education from Montana State University, where he enjoyed the fellowship of the Sigma Chi fraternity. While at M.S.U., he met Lois Suneson and they were married in 1959 in Davis, California. He participated in the International Foreign Youth Exchange (IFYE) program, spending nine months in Denmark.

After being drafted, Bob served a short tour in the U.S. Army in Oklahoma. Subsequently, he gained employment as a Montana history teacher in the Great Falls public school system. For most of his career, he was a guidance counselor at East Junior High School. Later, he served as Dean of boys at C.M. Russell High School. He was an active member of GFEA and MEA.

Bob was elected to the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention where he participated in the redrafting of Montana's guiding principles. Later he served on the Cascade County Conservation Board and City-County Planning Board.

Bob enjoyed annual hunting adventures with a close group of friends. In retirement, Bob and Lois adventurously traveled throughout the world.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lois; three sons, Kent (Susan), Karl, and Alan (Angie); five granddaughters; and sisters, Jane Phillips and Mary Costello.

Remembrances should be directed to support education through either the Highwood Community Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 31, Highwood, MT 59450 or the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 2429, Great Falls, MT 59403.

O'Connor Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Woodmansey

Sponsored by O'Connor Funeral Home & Crematory - Great Falls.

13 Entries

March 6, 2017

To the family of Bob Woodmansey,

I was on the Montana State track team with Bob 60 years ago. After I moved to Great Falls, 5 years later, I occasionally ran into Bob either in Gt. Falls or up on Highwood Creek near his home. While I didn't see him often, Bob always stopped to talk and he was always my old college friend and fun to talk to. I liked him every much and I'm sorry to learn of his passing.

Doug Allen
Cut Bank, Montana
[email protected]

Julie Steiner

March 5, 2017

Dear Woodmansey Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. As my middle school counselor he influenced me in a way neither of us could have imagined. I remember him calling me to his office one day, I had gotten into a bit of trouble, and he was just checking up on me. He must have known my love of art and asked if he could hang one of my pieces in his office. Of course I said yes, but that small gesture stuck with me all these years. It was his insightful and nonjudgementalI character that made an impression on me. I later went on to become a middle school art teacher, and I think of him ALL the time as I hand out words of advice and encouragement that hopefully will stick with a kid or two as they figure out the world beyond my influence. We reconnected after my own father passed away over 20 years ago, and we continued to correspond through yearly letters. I owe him a great deal, and am fortunate to have been able to tell him how he impacted my life. His is a great loss, but because of the man he was, he will live on through the great work others will do on his behalf. Respectfully, Julie (Gibson) Steiner

a loved one

Sent Flowers

The Wellington Family

March 3, 2017

Dear Mr. Woodmansey, what a Great man, as the Dean of boys at CMR you were fantastic. A very educated and caring individual, always very understanding of the "mischief " that teen boys can get into, and never judgmental. God Bless you, our sympathies go out to your family, may God ease their sadness in their time of loss.
Peace be with you.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

March 2, 2017

Lois and Family, So sorry to hear about Bob. I remember him from East and coaching Alan in basketball. Such a pleasant guy to be around always seemed to have that little smile. Was always so good to me. Terry Williams, Bella Vista, Arkansas

The FTD Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet

a loved one

Sent Flowers

John and Brigitte Sims

March 1, 2017

Dear Lois and Family,

We are deeply saddened hearing about Bob's passing. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Kenda Keenan

March 1, 2017

Lois and family,

I am so sorry to hear about bob. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, friend and neighbor that will be truely missed. Bob always seemed to have a smile on his face, loved to laugh and to be around friends. I have wonderful memories that included all of your family. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

March 1, 2017

Lois & Family:
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bob. He was a wonderful and kind man that we highly respected and have many fond memories of during the years we lived in Montana. Wishing you peace and comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Leigh Ann, Eva and Patrique

March 1, 2017

Lois, and family, we were so sorry to get Mary's note this morning.......We had no idea Bob was having trouble since we considered him indestructible due to adventurous trips you tackled. We always enjoyed the Bitterroot visits and catching up on everyone. We know what a great loss this will be to your entire family and friends.
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Jerry and Dee Abbie

Ken Martin

March 1, 2017

Bob was the only brother my mom (Carol Woodmansey) ever had. She was proud of her lengthy relationship with Bob & Lois. Mom could not say enough good things about him as a person and as Jack's brother. Bob and Jack are together again. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Ed Gossack

March 1, 2017

Lois and Family-
I was so shocked to hear about Bob's passing. I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to you.
He was one of the most positive upbeat people I've known. It was my privilege to be a school mate and fraternity brother to have a lot time to interact with him and to be influenced by his upbeat personality.

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