Robert E. Danskin

Robert E. Danskin, DDS passed away peacefully on April 14, 2010. The last week of his life on earth, he was comforted and attended by Alice, his wife of 58 years, and his four children. He considered family utmost in his duty and was honored to have a healthy, happy family. Despite 30 years of heart disease, cancer and multiple surgeries, Bob lived a full life!

He was born in Glendive in 1924 and adopted at 2 weeks by Dr. Melville G. and Minnie Cole Danskin. He considered this to be one of the best things that happened to him and greatly admired his rural physician father and homesteading mother. He always was proud of being a Montanan.

Bob graduated from Dawson County High School in 1941. He served two years (1944-1946) in the U.S. Navy during WWII, advancing from Apprentice Seaman to Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class, spending much of his time at the NOB Hospital in Norfolk, Va. After the Navy, he returned to Bozeman, completing his college degree and graduating from MSC (now MSU) Bozeman in 1948.

Dr. Danskin graduated cum laude from Chicago College of Dental Surgery, Loyola University, School of Dentistry in 1953. He practiced general dentistry for two years in Dixon, Ill., before returning to Montana where there were, in his words, "less mosquitoes and humidity." He practiced in Billings from 1955 until his retirement in 1987 due to heart trouble. He took great pride in doing fine work and getting to know his patients.

In 1951, he and Alice Hintz were married in Dixon at the First United Methodist Church. Enthusiastically, they raised a family with emphasis on education, the arts, church and scouting. He was especially proud of the accomplishments of his children and always tried to provide encouragement in their chosen fields of interest. He believed strongly in the bond of family and provided well for them while teaching responsibility, accountability and a strong work ethic.

Bob was active in several local organizations, including serving a number of years on Mayor Frazer's Public Health Committee. He was Dental Health Consultant for Western Manor Nursing Home for 25 years, and also served as President of the 9th District Dental Society. He was a member of Billings Boat Club, Kiwanis Club, and a patron of many local and national charities.

He was a Life Member of the MSU Alumni Association and the National Rifle Association. He also was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Glendive and then in Billings.

Bob held high regard for our country and Constitution and was active in a number of Masonic bodies to uphold the ideals in the formation of the United States: Life member and Past Master of Ashlar Lodge #29, AF & AM; Past High Priest of Billings Royal Arch Chapter #6, R.A.M.; Past Illustrious Master of Adoniram Council #8, Cryptic Masons; Past Commander of Aldemar Commandery #7, Knights Templar; Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Montana; and Past Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Montana. Bob also was a member of Edna Hedges #15 and later Moss Agate Chapter #126, Order of Eastern Star; Past Watchman of Shepherds of Mizpah #4, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem; and member of Al Bedoo Shrine and first trumpet with the Shrine Brass Band.

After retirement, Bob and Alice spent several enjoyable winters in a home they built in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Again, they returned to Montana for its climate and clean air. An avid traveler, Bob enjoyed driving, exploring, and cruising the Caribbean, Mississippi River, Panama Canal, Hawaii and Alaska. The entire family has enjoyed many summers at their getaway "Lake Place" on the shores of Flathead Lake. His 65-mph ski boat with its custom paint job was his pride and joy. He shared with his entire family his lifelong interest in photography, as well as the out-of-doors and nature. He also enjoyed being the handyman and working around the house and lake property.

Bob is survived by his wife Alice; two daughters Judith (Craig) Miller of Alexandria, Ontario, Canada, and Laura (Brian) Golphenee of Kettle Falls, Wash.; and two sons, Wesley (Linda Scott) and Greg (Wendy) of San Diego and Escondido, Calif. A third son James died in infancy. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Amanda, Sky, Ethan, Abbey and Kiya; and a niece, Kathryn Danskin, of Longmont, Colo. He is predeceased by his parents, brother George, nephew David, and baby son Jimmie.

Services will take place June 19, in Billings. Graveside service at 9:30 a.m. at Mountview Cemetery, followed by a memorial service and reception at First United Methodist Church on Fourth Avenue. All are welcome.

In memory of Bob, please consider supporting the RiverStone Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.