Robert L. Gregg

1945 - 2025

Robert L (Bob) Gregg, 80

Robert (Bob) Lloyd Gregg, DVM, 80, of Plains, passed away peacefully at Clark Fork Valley Hospital on October 2, surrounded by the love of his family. His family greatly appreciated the care he received after transferring back to their hometown hospital.

Bob, affectionately known to many as "Papa" or "Dr. Bob," led a life of love and commitment-to his family, friends, and community, or as he would say, "his people." He was born on June 18, 1945, to Lloyd and Edna Gregg in Fort Benton, Montana, and grew up in Highwood with his siblings Helen, Beverly, and Karen. Bob established his renowned work ethic working with his father and on the farm of Wes and Esther Lyons, whose family became an extension of his own. He met his wife of 58 years, Kathy, while picnicking with her parents, Harold and Bobbi Crawford, and their neighbors, Bill and Sylvia O'Keefe, at Ryan Dam, where he was working for Montana Power Co. as a journeyman maintenance man.

Although Bob often joked about "barely finishing in the top ten" of his high school class of ten students, he was a lifelong learner-an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity and a wide range of interests and skills. In 1975, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. He spent his first year as a veterinarian in Gillette, Wyoming. The following year, he and Kathy moved to Plains, where they opened Lynch Creek Veterinary Clinic in the basement of their home. For 32 years, Bob cared for the animals and people of his community with compassion, dedication, and integrity, until his retirement in 2008.

Papa, you had such an impact on so many lives. Through your actions, you taught us to work hard, keep an open mind, prioritize kindness, and show "our people" every day how important they are to us. You will be remembered not just for the things you did, but for the way you made us feel. Through you and Nana's generosity, you helped make "Huckfest" an annual celebration of friendship and family. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will live on in our hearts, and the legacy of your life will continue to inspire those you left behind for generations to come.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathy; his two children and their spouses, Lori and Wade Rehbein, and Eric and Bre Gregg. He also adored, and was adored by, his five grandchildren: Nicole (Matt), Sam, Charlie (Torrin), Delaney, and Weston, as well as his great-granddaughter, Carter. Included in the family he loved-and who loved him in return-are his sister, Karen, and her children Kim, Kris, Karla, and George, plus their families; his close friend and father-in-law, Harold Crawford, and Harold's wife, Yvonne; as well as his many good friends throughout Sanders County.

The family will plan a celebration of life to be held later this year.