Robert "Bob" Joy

Robert "Bob" Duane Joy, age 84, of Kalispell, Montana passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at his home in Kalispell, Montana at home surrounded by family.

Bob was born December 10, 1934 in Polson, MT to Clark and Bertha (Zimmerman) Joy. He was the oldest of 4 children. He had two sisters and one brother.

He grew up in and went to school in Polson, he graduated high school in 1952. He received an award for perfect attendance for his four years in high school. He was very proud of that. The family lived a simple but good life.

Bob moved to Kalispell in 1952 after graduation where he spent his entire life.

In 1954 he married Joyce Kinshella. From that union they had two children, Rhonda and Sherene. In 1956 Bob joined the National Guard he was active until 1961.

In 1988 he married Josephine (Jo). She had four children, Dean, Teresa, Dwane and Donna.

Bob worked many jobs throughout his life. As an adult in Kalispell, he worked at Todd’s Bakery, Culligan Water, and in the woods for Kinshella Logging.  Later Bob and his father Clark bought several logging trucks and logged east of the mountains.  Bob worked several times for Bolsters Dairy, which later became Grossweilers Dairy.  There was C&C plywood in Evergreen where he was a foreman.  He spent many years at Plum Creek in Columbia Falls which is where he retired.  Then his final job “Retirement.”  He always said that retirement kept him the busiest.

Bob always loved cars and car projects.  In his early years he had friends who had and raced stock cars.  He was even on several pit crews. Finally he decided to build his own “Hot Rod”.  As most know he found a 1933 Chevy Coupe in a farmer’s field.  It was rusty and was full of bullet holes but that’s what he wanted.  He built it from the ground up. He was never happier or more proud doing anything else in his life as he was with his “33”.

Throughout the years of building the “33” he made many friendships that have remained.  Some of his buddies have passed but he never forgot them.

Bob and Jo went to many car shows beyond Montana.  There are many trophies from car shows, including one from Oregon. He loved to go to Spokane. They even took the “33” to Louisville KY to the National finals.  The car wasn’t finished but everyone there was very impressed.  He was told had the “33” been completed, he would have left with some awards.  There were over 1,000 cars entered there.  It was truly amazing.

Bob lived and breathed the “33”.  Two weeks ago, after just getting home from the hospital he was talking about getting the “33” cleaned up for a run to the Dairy Queen.  He wanted to see his buddies.

Bob was proceeded in death by his parents Clark and Bertha (Zimmerman) Joy, sister Clara Sayle, brother in law Clarence Hedge, daughter in law Ronda Beck, and son in law Jim Lichti.

He is survived by wife Josephine (Jo) sister Donna Hedge and brother Ron (Kathy) Joy. Children Rhonda Lichti, Sherene Joy, Dean (Yan) Beck, Teresa Beck, Dwane (Tauni) Beck and Donna Beck.

Grand children Brandon (Tasha) Dewey, Ashley Dewey, Alex (Chris) LaFrance, Sierra Beck, Tilor Mercier, Austin (Lindsey) Mercier, and Ethan Beck.  Great grandchildren, Carter, Beckham, Madilyne, Hayes and Emmerie.  Many nieces, nephews, cousins and all of his many friends you know, who you are, and his faithful companion, his dog Shammy.

An Open House Potluck to honor Bob’s life will be held from 2 to 6 pm on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Moose Lodge, 2158 US Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, Montana.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Bob and his family.

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