Robert Donald "Bob" Blossom passed away on the 81st anniversary of Pearl Harbor, December 7, 2022, surrounded by his children.

Bob was born March 9, 1924.  He was, arguably, the fifth of six children to Chalmer and Anna Blossom of Fort Shaw.  There was some confusion as to which of the identical twin boys entered the world first. Eventually the family agreed that it must have been Bob, as Dick generally appeared just behind him in family pictures.

Bob attended school in Fort Shaw, where he graduated valedictorian of his 6-member class.  He was well known for his pranks, like the live, purple-painted heifer found one morning in a classroom.

Bob and his brothers grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping to supplement the family's diet of garden vegetables.  He never lost his passion for hunting and fishing and passed his skills and enthusiasm along to his family.

Bob enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and shipped out to the Philippines. He was so seasick he lost 30 pounds during the 30-day voyage. After the war he used the GI Bill to get his pilot's license.  Bob homesteaded on the Ashuelot Bench, living in a one room house on the land. He owned and ran Robertson and Blossom Construction.  Later, he worked for many years at Hilde Construction out of Great Falls.

In 1953, Bob married Beverly Champion and later divorced. In 1962, Bob married Ruby Clelland, who happened to be the sister of Dick's wife Isabel. The two families were very close and had many hunting and fishing adventures together.

Bob's avid pursuit of fish led him to captain many a leaky raft down many a questionably navigable stream, often abetted by his twin.  When a serious fisherman is watching the water, he is not always looking ahead, and near disasters were averted when one twin would cry out, "Fence!  Fence!"  One of their best stories includes the cry of "Falls! Falls!"  The raft capsized, some of their gear floated and some sank, and the twins emerged alive with a good story to tell.

Apparently the fishing was really good, and more memorable than the falls were, because a few years later, they floated the same stretch, with the very same results.  You'd think that second capsize would have been unforgettable, but it was not. They simply had to fish that stretch again, watch the river again, and miss the upcoming falls again.  Yes, there was a third trip over that same falls!  That's when they finally decided they should fish somewhere else.

Besides being a savvy outdoorsman, Bob knew his way around a dance floor.  He two-stepped his way into an active social life despite having outlived two women.  He kept dancing well into his 90s.  Bob was also a regular at the card table. Even at 98 years old, Bob regularly schooled his family at Texas Hold'em.

Bob is survived by his children:  Steven (Julie) of Houston, Debra, and Scott "Mick" (Heidi) of Helena, grandchildren Nancy, Caitlin, Bryce, and Reese, several great grandchildren, and his twin brother Dick (Isabel).  Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, many from Helena and Fort Shaw.

Bob was preceded in death by his older siblings:  Peggy Fasbender, Gordon Blossom, Bud Blossom, and Norma Olsen.

The family thanks Touchmark staff for their care, and extends special thanks to Don and Marian Olsen of Fort Shaw for their support and assistance to Bob in his final years on his farm.

Funeral services will be held at the Fort Shaw Bible Church on Thursday, December 15 with viewing at 10:00 AM, and services at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Great Falls Rescue Mission.