Robert Deming

Robert J. Bob Deming, 83, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 in Great Falls.A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Faith Lutheran Church.Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Bob was born in Turner, MT to Raymond and Ada Deming, and was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Plentywood High School and then earned a degree in education from Eastern Montana College. While at Eastern he met his soul mate, Lorraine Ness. Bob and Lorraine were married on Dec. 27, 1952. He then served in the Army Intelligence Corps during the Korean War and he and Lorraine lived in Baltimore, MD, San Francisco and New Orleans during that time.Shortly after the birth of their first child, Rich, they moved to Laurel, MT, where Bob was a coach, teacher and junior high school principal. While in Laurel they had two more children, Greg and Lisa.In 1969 the family moved to Great Falls, where Bob became Principal of the Montana School for the Blind. Bob ultimately became the Superintendent of the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. He then worked as the Development Director at the University of Great Falls and the McLaughlin Research Center. Bob served as a Great Falls city commissioner from 1990-1995 then as Mayor of Great Falls from 1996-1997.Bob committed his life to teaching and helping others and his service in the Great Falls Lions Club is legendary. A founding member of the Hardee Boy's , he leaves behind a legion of friends.Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ada Deming, brothers Henry and Curtis Deming and sister Billie Lou Smith.He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lorraine; sons Richard and wife Julie Bennett of Bozeman, and Greg and his wife Jennie of Hawaii; daughter Lisa Christie and her husband Anthony of Spring Lake Park, MN; and six grandchildren, Laura Deming of Hawaii, Robby Deming of Bozeman, Kali Deming of Santa Barbara, CA, Sarah Christie of Minnesota, Nicole Harvey and Trent Harvey of Bozeman.Bob led a beautiful life, having a positive impact on everyone he encountered, having love for all who would accept it. He will be missed, but leaves his family and friends with an inspiration to love and help others. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Peace Hospice, 1101 26thy Str. So., Great Falls, MT 59405, Montana School for the Deaf & Blind (MSDB), PO Box 6576, Great Falls, MT 59406, or Faith Lutheran Church, 3125 5th Ave. So., Great Falls, MT 59405.Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.