Robert Wallis Hollow

Bob Hollow -- beloved father, brother, grandpa, partner, uncle and friend to countless others -- left this life on a bluebird Tuesday morning, August 27, 2024, for the endless fresh ski slopes of heaven.

Bob loved baked goods of all kinds, old country music, Taco Treat, always had candy in his coat pocket, and enjoyed the chili mac and hot caramel sundaes at the Parrot too many times to count over the decades.

Born Robert Wallis Hollow in November 1942, to John Wallis Hollow and Margaret Rebecca Collison Hollow, he grew up in Helena, graduating from Helena High School in the Class of 1960. After a short stint at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Bob returned to Montana State College in Bozeman (now MSU) where he became a lifelong Bobcat fan.

In his 81 years, it seems like he did it all. A ski racer from childhood through retirement, he coached skiing and golf, taught school, and owned small businesses for many years. He rodeoed, owned and managed racehorses, ran cattle, and enjoyed Texas longhorns on his ranch in the Helena valley. After graduating in Bozeman with a teaching certificate, he taught English at Flathead High School in Kalispell and coached skiing and golf. The girls went on to win the State Championship in 1969. During a break from winter ski camp on Big Mountain, Bob married Sherri Wadsworth in Great Falls. They later divorced but not before bringing a daughter, Deb Matteucci, into the world. Sherri returned to Great Falls, and Bob stayed in Helena to join his father at the Helena News Agency, a wholesaler of books and magazines owned by his father and later by Bob.

He met and married Butte native Carol Cunningham, from which union was born Rob Hollow. Bob walked many miles along the recovery path with his friend Bill W for 37 years, and dedicated much of his time and energy to helping many others in their journeys from drugs and alcohol to leading sober and productive lifestyles.

Diet Coke and Arnold Palmers were his drink of choice and while lifting one, he met his partner for the next 25 years, Kathy Dombrovski. Their home and gardens on Helena's historic Westside were a place where all were welcome.

After selling the news agency, Bob taught in Boulder, MT, for the Department of Corrections at Riverside Girls Correctional facility, retiring at 65 to improve his gardens and tend to his many friends on his daily circuit up the Last Chance Gulch's coffee shops. According to his kids, as a grandpa, Bob reached a level of awesomeness few can match. He showed up. Always. Every game, concert, or event. He was there, pocket full of sweet treats for Deb's children Tyler, Samantha and Courtney Matteucci; Rob's family, wife Jen Hollow and kids Drake, Finn, Ruby, Grace, Hyde and Lucy Hollow; and Kathy's kids, Nate, Holly, Heidi and Nick.

Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother and Deb's former husband, Jeff Matteucci.

Bob is survived by his brothers, John and Dan, sister Peggy Hollow-Phelps, all of Helena, and sister LeeAnne Hollow-Bennett, Reedsport Ore.; his daughter Deb and her children; his son Rob and his wife, Jen Hollow, and their children; and his companion Kathy, and her children. Also surviving is a large extended family.

A celebration of his life is planned from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, in Kathy and Bob's backyard at 323 Ming Place, where they hosted their last party, brother John's 80th birthday, in mid-August. Another gathering is planned at a later date at Marysville's old Methodist-Episcopal Church.

Simple Cremation of Helena is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends may go to www.simplecremationmt.com to share memories or condolences.