Charles Robert "Bob" Pimperton

On January 23, 2022, “Bob” Pimperton, rancher and Montana Livestock Inspector passed away just a few months shy of his 90th birthday. Charles Robert Pimperton was born on May 24, 1932, to Charles and Aimee Pimperton at the Columbus Hospital in Great Falls, MT.Twenty years later Bob was joined by his only sibling, sister Linda (Stephens) in 1952. Bob attended Belt Valley Public Schools and was the class president. Over the years he remained in touch with many of his classmates, and he really enjoyed spending time with them. He was very proud that five of them were able to celebrate their 70th class reunion in 2020. He played the Cornet and was a member of the National FFA band, traveling to Kansas City for the National FFA Conference. Music, especially the big bands and jazz, would be a constant in his life. He instilled the love of jazz music in his children and grandchildren. He would often make “jazz converts” of his friends by taking them to Dixieland Jazz festivals. Bob went to Gonzaga after high school to study veterinary medicine. His college career was abruptly interrupted by being drafted to serve in the Korean War. He spent his service time at Tripoli in Hawaii and served as a medic at the hospital during his tour of duty. His medic experience would prove to be extremely important as he helped Marilyn, his wife of 63 years, endure many medical challenges in recent years.Bob married Marilyn Jean Deacon in Aberdeen, SD on September 20, 1958.Marilyn was the daughter of teachers and city-raised, so her transition to a rancher’s wife would provide Bob with many of his funny stories in the years to come. Bob ranched with his father, Charlie, and then with his son, Gary, for many years before semi-retiring to live in Armington and then Belt, MT. Bob and Marilyn endured the deaths of three infant boys, Gerard, Joseph, and John. They adopted Laura Jeanne, their oldest daughter, and eventually had three more children, Gary, Theresa, and Jim, before their family was complete. Bob and Marilyn enjoyed playing many different card games over the years with friends and family. Holiday meals were often followed by multiple generations having a rousing “Pitch” tournament. They belonged to the Symphony Bridge Club in Great Falls, MT. Bob’s greatest pleasure in life was watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow up.He was a founding member of the Little Belt Cowboys and watched his children compete in the sport of rodeo throughout the years.You could find Bob and Marilyn in the bleachers at all the children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, 4-H shows, concerts, and rodeos. Bob recently stated that he hoped he lived another ten years to watch his great-grandchildren take to the courts. Bob had many special friends over the years, but he took in and treated the “Nevala” girls as his extended daughters. Bob so enjoyed all of the girls’ families as well. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and beloved son, Jim. Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Laura (Randy) Pierce, Gary (Polly) Pimperton, Theresa (Auke) Talsma; grandchildren, JR (Danielle) Pierce, Jeff (Cassie) Pimperton, Jesse Pierce, Alyssa (Travis) Jones, Calder Toombs, Kerstyn Pimperton, and Kolby Pimperton; great-grandchildren, Weston and Avery Pierce, Rhett and Colt Pimperton, and Bode Jones; sister, Linda (Greg) Stephens; and many beloved nieces and nephews, in-laws, family, and friends. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Geyser Community Hall. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (please use the reference number 22822862) or the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.