Robert L. "Bob" Burmood

Robert L. “Bob” Burmood, 70, Grand-father of therapeutic horseback riding in Western Montana, passed peacefully into Jesus’ arms Friday, July 15, 2016, with his two Irish angels at his side. Bob was born May 31, 1946, in Grand Island, Nebraska to Dale and Lucille Burmood. He graduated from Grand Island Senior High and went on to graduate from Concordia Teachers College majoring in Special Education. Bob was one of the first home trainers hired by CDC, Child Development Center of Western Montana and served the families of Kalispell, Libby and Troy, teaching them how to care for their children and help them “live up to expectations”. He was well known for his zerbits, reminders of “who’s the Boss?”, getting kids who had a hard time focusing to say the ABC’s forward and backward, and teasing riders, mothers, fathers, volunteers…no one was safe in his barn. Bob and Timi met when she signed on as a volunteer to help with the riding program at CDC. Their friendship grew over the years as both felt very passionate about the changes seen in children through the movement, breathing, and relationship with horses as well as interaction with other people. They felt the riding program could benefit people of all ages and disabilities so they decided to make the program their own. S.A.M.S. Riders, Inc. evolved and the two would spend the next 24 years walking in circles to help improve the quality of life for families in Polson, Eureka, Kalispell and Missoula as well as helping to start a program in Havre, Montana. He loved to teach children, parents, other educators and professionals new ways to “make learning fun” and was constantly bringing new ideas and methods to the program. He made sure everyone knew he was their best friend and tried to share one of his favorite riders, Skyler, and his theory of how to live life by staying out of the “me box” – thinking of others first. He enjoyed forming beautiful bonsai trees, horseracing, fishing, taking grandchildren for rides on his tractor and four-wheelers as well as tobogganing with family in front of him. He gladly served on the Board of Stillwater Free Lutheran Church for over 12 years. Bob quoted his Father regularly telling everyone “Today is a gift, what will you do with your gift today?” Easily recognized in a crowd by his Stetson Cowboy hat, Bob is looking down on us from heaven. Bob was previously married to Marcia Berkowitz and they had one son, Chris; he also married Pam Polches in 1976 and they had a daughter, Jamie. He then married the love of his life, Timi (McDonald) Burmood April 11, 1993, and they lived happily until Bob’s passing. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father. Survivors include his wife, Timi Burmood; son, Christopher Burmood; daughter, Jamie Burmood Newton; sisters, Beverly (Ray) Wondercheck and Donna (Jay) Helzer; sister-in-law, Damien Dougherty; step-children, Kelsi Steele, Erin Steels, Brian Cellan and Larry Cole; and grandchildren, Katie, Eli, Chase, Bailey, Seamus and Rosebelle.

Robert L. "Bob" Burmood

May 31, 1946 - July 15, 2016

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Robert L. "Bob" Burmood

May 31, 1946 - July 15, 2016

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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