EASTER, Robert Bruce

Robert Bruce Easter, 8 am., January 26, 2004, marked the passing of a truly remarkable man. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. Robert Bruce Easter was born to Florence & Harold Easter in Arlington Massachusetts on May 23, 1924. In his adult life, he resided a brief time in Seattle, WA. and later mainly in Missoula, MT. He was extremely proud of his New England heritage and often reminisced about his wonderful childhood adventures in Boston as well as his first job at age 16 as the assistant cook at the Appalachian Mountain Club on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. It was there that he acquired his love of cooking and over the years he poured over hundreds of recipe books and became a known gourmet cook to his many friends. Desiring to become a teacher and a coach, he graduated, from college at Springfield, MA. with degrees in Political Science and History. However, World War II had begun and he enlisted in the Army in 1943. He attended Officers' Training School and Counter Intelligence School and was assigned to become an infantry commander serving with Company L, 301st infantry of the 94th Division from 1944 to 1946 as a first Lieutenant in Europe. He was recalled into the Korean War in 1950 as an infantry officer and served as a Captain for the 7th Cavalry regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division until 1951. Bob was awarded many medals including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and others. Bob was very patriotic and always had a firm belief in the good of his country and the freedom of America. Bob loved Montana where he could hunt, fish and also hike the peeks of beautiful Glacier Park. He constructed a log cabin on Lake Inez for his family and they all enjoyed spending their summers on the lake where he taught his 3 children to sail, swim, canoe and fly fish. Involved in youth programs, he founded the Missoula Aquatic & Athletic Club (MAAC). Bob served on the National Campfire Board and received their highest honor, the Luther Hawlsey Gulik award. He worked closely with Native American, Mrs. Big Sam to erect authentic tepees for Campfire Girls' Camp Watanopa at Seely Lake. He loved the outdoors and was an avid sports enthusiast. In his youth, he was an active participant in hockey, tennis, football & golf. A successful and, respected business man, Bob owned Toole & Easter Insurance Agency in Missoula, with branch offices in Butte & Billings. He retired in 1983 and moved to Leisure World in Mesa, AZ. with his wife, Marilyn, in 1984. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, 1404 Leisure World, Mesa, AZ. 3 adoring children and 6 grandchildren: Daughters: Pam (Arthur) Croci/Liz, Peter & Steve in Grand Rapids. MI; Andrea (Brian) Pilcher/Emily in Dillon, MT; Son: Bruce (Cynthia)/Clara & Austin in Seattle. Also, 4 step-children and 3 step-grandchildren: Paula (Tony) Niccum, Missoula, MT; Russ (Tracy) White, San Diego, CA.; Brian (Janet) White/Jenae & Julianne, in Missoula, MT; Michelle (Walter) Ziebarth/Angel in Portsmouth, N. H. Bob played saxophone and instilled in his children a love of music. He was a special fan of the Leisure Notes. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be sent to the Leisure World Recreation Office, 908 S. Power Road Mesa, AZ. 85206 Donations will be used for support of Leisure World's performing arts. A memorial celebration of Bob Easter's life was at Mariposa Gardens on Saturday, March 27, 2004 in the Cemetery Chapel 6747 East Broadway Road Mesa, AZ. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care (480) 830-4422. Published in the Arizona Republic on 1/29/2004.