Robert Hasquet

Robert P. "Bob" Hasquet, 80, died Wednesday, May 17, 2006, in Marias Medical Center in Shelby after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at his death.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m., Saturday in St. William's Catholic Church in Shelby. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday in Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby with vigil service at 7 p.m. in the church.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Nita Hasquet, of Shelby; fourteen children, Leslie Woldtvedt of Shelby, John (Marla) Hasquet of Shelby, Kathy (Chuck) Turner of Missoula, Jim (Cindy) Hasquet of California, Mary (Dan) Wagner of Havre, Pete (Doris) Hasquet of Missoula, Mike (DeAnn) Hasquet of Arizona, Mark (Kelli) Hasquet of Idaho, Lorie (Jerry) Keller of Washington, Ron (DeeDee) Hasquet of Butte, Rich (Cheryl) Hasquet of Arizona, Bob (Beth) Hasquet of Missoula, Bill (Chelly) Hasquet of Helena, and Rachael (Jeremy) Beck of Missoula. He is also survived by 41 grandchildren, Brent (Tina Jo), Tobin, Angie, Megan, Kelly Jo, Robin, Veronica, Amy, Shelley, Joe, Becky, Tommy, Shannon, Lisa (Andy), Julie, Gary, Billy, Dani, Jordan, Kellen, Bryn, McCall, Austin, Amanda, Andrew, Josh, Megan, Deanna, Kyla, Jessica, Sarah, Delaney, Nathan, John, Blake, Bryce, Cole, Emma, Braeden, Dylan, and Mason; great-grandsons, Isaac and Ben; sisters, Geraldine Biggs of California and Mary Jean (Jack) Wells of Shelby; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Michelle; granddaughter, Abby; brothers, Louie and Julius Hasquet; sisters, Olivia Whitney, Amparita Simons, Irene Joyce, and Margo Hasquet.

Bob was born Feb. 8, 1926, in Great Falls. He was the seventh child of John and Josephine Hasquet. He attended Shelby schools and graduated from Shelby High School in 1944. He joined the Merchant Marines for one year, and then enlisted in the Air Force in 1946. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. After an honorable discharge in 1948, he attended the University of Montana on a basketball scholarship. He played for the Grizzlies for three years and was recently honored at the 100 year celebration of Grizzly basketball.

Bob married Juanita Spooner in Missoula on Oct. 16, 1950. They returned to Shelby in 1951 when he took over the family farm and sheep ranching operation after his father's death. He continued to build the ranch and added cattle in 1973. In 1963, he and Harvey Nelson founded the Marias Packing Plant and operated it for 10 years. He was a charter member of the Shelby Optimist Club, a member of the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus and St. William's Catholic Church.

Few things brought Bob greater pleasure than watching and playing golf. He was a charter member of the Marias Valley Golf and Country Club board, and played an instrumental role in the construction of the current course. He was also a member of Montana United States Golf Association Seniors' Board. Weather permitting, Bob was on the golf course every chance he had.

Bob took great pride in his children and grandchildren's many accomplishments. He celebrated a family reunion in July 2005, his 80th birthday in February 2006, and his granddaughter's wedding in April 2006, surrounded by his family and many friends.

Memorials: organization of one's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com and www.mtstandard.com/obits.