Robert "Bob" Lamley

Robert Eugene Lamley 95 of Missoula, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Providence Hospital (St Pats) of natural causes.

He was born on January 11, 1928, in Delphos, Ohio to Clyde and Ruth Lamley.  He lived in Kenton, Ohio with his family and attended Kenton public schools.  While in High School he was a member of the football team.  He graduated in 1945.  After graduation Bob attended Ohio State University for one year before enlisting in the US Navy.  After his discharge from the Navy, Bob then utilized the GI Bill to continue his education and attend the University of Montana Forestry School, and played “Griz” football in Missoula.  Bob graduated in 1952, with a degree in Forest Management. He was also a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He married Helen “Bugs” Hartwell with this union four daughters were born.   He later married Mary L Pike-Branning and lived in Missoula.

His career with Anaconda Forest Products, then US Plywood working as a field forester in Missoula, the Blackfoot, Clearwater and Lolo management units.  Bob went on to hold operational and managerial positions as district forester, area logging superintendent, Thompson River and Missoula Area Manager.  Bob’s job responsibilities covered the Anaconda, US Plywood and Champion Timberlands, he held several positions including that of the General Manager of Champion’s Montana Timberlands, which was the managerial position he held at retirement. 

Bob was an advocate of reaching across the organizational lines and working closely with his peers at government, state and tribal agencies.  When Bob retired, he continued to be very involved and supportive of the logging industry, by playing a major role in the Bonner Milltown History Center & Museum.

He enjoyed the backcountry, either on foot, horseback or an ATV.  He was a member of the Backcountry Horsemen’s Association, and was one of the founders of the Western Montana Trail Riders Association club.  He also enjoyed golf, racquetball, tennis, hunting, fishing and attending Griz Football games.   He and Mary traveled via Motorhome for many years and enjoyed being Snow Birds. 

Survivors include his wife, Mary, Missoula; 4 daughters Jeffrie Lamley Alberton, MT, Robin Lamley, Stevensville, MT, Kelley Lamley Peyton, CO and Kandi (John) Boardman North Bend, WA. 2 Sons Michael Branning, Missoula, MT and Darren Branning, Hamilton, MT. Grandchildren; Jerret Rhoads, North Bend, WA and Ryan Rhoads,  Tacoma, WA.  Daniel Stayton (Sandy) Escondido, CA he became part of the Lamley Family in 1971.

Proceeded in death by; Daughter Kari Lamley, parents Clyde and Ruth Lamley, brother Jack Lamley and sister Shirley Temple.

Burial will be at the VA Cemetery in Missoula. 

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023 in Fort Missoula behind the Historical Museum.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Bonner Milltown History Center & Museum or Willamette Locomotive #7 at Fort Missoula.