Robert Opie

MISSOULA - Robert Bernard Opie, of Missoula, died peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2008, at his home.

Robert was born in Butte on June 28, 1926, to William and Elizabeth Opie. He graduated from Butte High in 1945, and was also an honorary graduate of Butte Central High School. He kept in touch with his many friends from Butte up until his death.

As a young man he worked in the Butte copper mines. He was very fond of his native city and often fondly recounted his memories of growing up in the Montana copper mining town. When his grand- children were young they were convinced that it must be the most wonderful city in the whole world.

Robert married Shirley Dillon on Feb. 19, 1955. Together they brought eight children into this world. Robert and Shirley moved their young family from Butte to eventually settle in Missoula, where Robert worked as a Metropolitan Life Insurance agent and retired in 1971.

Robert, much to the discomfort of Shirley, loved camping, fishing and most of all relaxing at his cabin at Elbow Lake with his dog, Rusty. Shirley would have preferred a hotel but cheerfully obliged her husband's wishes.

He eventually obliged her by accompanying her on several cruises. He, of course, loved the Alaskan cruise, while she preferred the Mediterranean. In the end they loved each other, their family and friends.

"We'll miss you dad." Robert's wife, Shirley, preceded him in death in 2006. Robert had two sons who preceded him in death, Michael, who died at birth, and James Patrick, who died in 1987 at the age of 20. His brothers, Nicholas and William Opie, also preceded him in death.

Robert is survived by his son, Bob, and wife, Rita, and children, Michael, Meg, Jimmy and Erin, all of Billings; daughter, Linda Opie of Missoula; son, John and wife, Sharon, and their son, Brian, all of San Diego; daughter, Laurie Fuehrer and husband, Kris, and children Alex and Brandon, all of Whitefish; son, Paul, and wife, Kathy, and children, Jennifer, Patrick and Conner, all of Seattle; daughter, Kathleen Nottingham, and husband, John, and children, Jarin and Kaitlyn Horner, all of Missoula. Robert is also survived by his sister, Janet Benke of Bend, Ore.

Services will be at noon Saturday, Aug. 9, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula with the Rev. Reller officiating. A luncheon will follow the service.

Family suggests memorials go to the Poverello Center, 535 Ryman St. Missoula, 59802, or Missoula Youth Homes, 550 N. California St. Missoula, MT 59802.