Robert H. Smith Sr.

Today is the saddest day of our life; today is the day we write about our father's life. Our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband passed away peacefully on March 20, 2011, in Billings, at the age of 79, with his family at his side.

Robert H. Smith Sr., Bob, Big Bob, Bubba, was born on Oct. 8, 1931, at the family home in St. Paul, Minn., the youngest of four children and the only son of Guy P. and Gertrude E. Smith.

Bob attended school in Minnesota and graduated from Marshall High School in 1949. Following graduation, Bob enlisted in the army and was stationed in London for two years. After returning from the service, he attended St. Thomas College, where he played football.

On July 9, 1955, Bob married his best friend and the love of his life, LaVerne D. Hopfner at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minn. From this union of marriage, there were four children born: Carol, Robert Jr., Sharon and Scott.

With no reservations, Bob moved his family to Montana. In 1959, he transferred to Billings with Fidility Finance Co. and, after a short period of time, he joined Lew Chevrolet. In 1965, he went to work for Wayne Clark of Clark Lincoln Mercury as the sales manager. Wayne died in 1971 and Bob bought Clark Lincoln Mercury from his wife Shirley and renamed it Bob Smith Lincoln Mercury. Within the next few years, Bob had a new facility built and added other franchises and had created it into a successful family business. There are still people to this day that would only buy a car from Bob.

Over the years, Bob became involved with the 20 group and the advertising council for Lincoln Mercury, which he served as president for many years, as well as serving on the board of Automobile Dealers Association in Detroit.

Bob lived his life for his family, church and golf. His religion was very important to him. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and the Holy Name Society.

Bob's love for the game of golf goes without saying. He was an excellent golfer and fortunate enough to play with the best golfers in the world, including Jack Nicholas. Bob also played in the best tournaments, including the PGA Pebble Beach Pro Am.

For the past 15 years, he and Laverne were able to spend the winters in Arizona, where he proudly displayed his five "Hole In One" plaques. This was an accomplishment that we were all proud of.

Bob was probably one of the most generous people you will ever meet. He never hesitated to help anyone in need. He was involved with the Easter Seals for many years, as well as the American Heart Association. He was a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, past president of the Billings Exchange Club, past president of the Yellowstone Country Club, and was also a member at the Hilands Country Club and Arizona Country Club. Bob was also involved in various activities at Billings Central Catholic High School.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Gertrude Smith; his three sisters and their husbands, Patricia and Marvin Flaherty, Mary and Jack Lynch and Kate and Elmer Holzgen; his in-laws, Leo and Clara Hopfner; and his brothers-in-law, Frank McDonough and Ralph Roers.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 55 years, LaVerne; daughters Carol (Tom) Walund of Butte, Sharon (Tim) Beeter of Billings; sons Robert (Gayle) Smith, Jr. and Scott (Marcie) Smith, all of Billings; 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Kelly) Graves, Sean Graves, Robbie (Julie) Smith, Amanda Smith, Ashley Smith, Kara (Thor) Olson, Chris Beeter, Dane Smith, Alicia Smith and Landon Smith; four great-grandchildren, Emma Graves, Dayton and Dawson Smith, and Harley Hartse; as well as his faithful dog, Peppi.

Dad was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. Wherever he went, everyone knew him and loved him. He will be missed dearly.

A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, also at St. Thomas Church. Rite of committal will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, with military honors provided by the American Legion and the United States Army National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 3010 11th Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101; the Shriner's Children's Hospital (to help with care and treatment for Spina Bifida) by visiting www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org; or to the charity of one's choice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Edgewood Vista, St. Vincent Healthcare Oncology Unit and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving care given to Bob in his last days.

He died as he lived, everyone's friend. He was always thoughtful, loving and kind. His smile we will always remember, his voice we will always recall, his generosity we will never forget. His memory will be in our hearts forever. We will miss you, and we love you very much.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.