Robert (Robbie) Hensley, 70 years in Townsend, Montana, and one year in Helena, passed away of natural causes on September 23, 2019 at 71 years of age.
He was born in Townsend on July 14, 1948, the third child of Woodrow “Spike” and Helen (Comerford) Hensley. Home was the family farm in the Crow Creek Valley in Broadwater County where Robbie learned the art of farming, a love for the winding dirt roads of the Elkhorns, and the skill of quiet listening and thoughtful storytelling.
Rob, affectionately referred to as “Bobbie” by his many aunts and uncles, attended rural Crow Creek School until grade 8 and graduated from Broadwater County High School in 1966. With a glint in his eye he would tell stories of tipping the outhouse when the substitute teacher was inside, and the mean farm rooster that would keep the cousins from getting too far away from the house in the summer. He attended Northern Montana College Havre for two years before serving in the Navy on the heavy destroyer USS Saint Paul. Robbie then to return to his Montana where he earned an associate degree in computer programming.
For a short time, he used his programming education at the Montana Department of Transportation. Rob met Sue Duncan, with her great legs and blonde bob, he wooed her with his Chevelle SuperSport and quick wit. In 1970, “Navy Man takes Bride” headlined their wedding announcement. The itch for working the land brought Rob and his young family back to join his parents in the Crow Creek Valley.
Together, Rob and Sue raised three daughters and one son. Under Robbie’s tutelage, the four kids learned to get dirty, drive ATVs fast, and fix things every day. He deputized them in his life-long battle against gophers, and was incredibly proud of them (the kids, not the gophers).
Many neighbors referred to Robbie as one of the smartest farmers in the valley.
After leaving farming, Robbie put his years of experience to work as an electrician across the Midwest, and as a Water Rights Specialist for the Montana Department of Natural resources. He was proud to serve on the Broadwater Search & Rescue, and as a volunteer EMT.
Robbie was a skilled fisherman on Crow Creek, the Missouri river as well as through the ice or on his boat on Canyon Ferry Lake, happy to tie Woolly Buggers and egg sacs alike. He hunted throughout Montana, and always seemed to fill the freezer with elk and deer. At his wife’s request, no pheasant was ever on the menu, but that didn’t keep them from opening their land up to responsible hunters and sharing in their joy of the countryside. Robbie taught his kids how to count and add quickly on a cribbage board, and by the time they got to school they knew that 7 and 8 made “15-2!” A true cribbage master, Rob spent many happy hours teaching the strategy of cribbage to anyone who would sit still, and playing against his dear friends over cups of coffee or bourbon.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Anne. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan, who was his ever-present and loving caregiver in his last few years. He is also survived by his sister Pat Pillen of Las Vegas, NV. His legacy lives on in the four families of his children; daughters Carol & Lonnie Larson of Belgrade, MT, Jennifer Hensley and Steve Gallus of Helena, MT, Robin and Willie Blazer of Ennis, MT, and son Thomas William Hensley and Kaila Tamcke of Missoula, MT, as well as his nine grandchildren whom he adored – Anthony and Tyler Stock, Josey and Ruby Blazer, Madelyn, Noah, Simon and Scarlett Hensley, and Charlie Gallus.
A memorial service will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 3rd in Townsend at Stevenson Wilke funeral home, 212 Broadway. Burial will immediately follow at Deep Creek Cemetery. Friends and family will gather at the Lodge at Townsend (old Masonic Lodge), 131 South Spruce for food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 301 N Cherry in Townsend.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 3, 2019
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Service
Thursday October 3, 2019
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday October 3, 2019
The Townsend Lodge
131 South Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 3, 2019
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Service
Thursday October 3, 2019
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday October 3, 2019
The Townsend Lodge
131 South Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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John Johnston says
We had served in the Navy together for a brief time. I had moved from Iowa to Montana after I left the military and have started to look for the Montana service members I had served with. My search this morning discovered Tom. I will no doubt think of him as I do many others when I hear taps the next time. As is our custom I wish Tom fair winds and following seas. My condolences to his wife, children and family.