Robert Leroy Gilman

Robert Leroy Gilman, age 82, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2018, at the Veterans Nursing Home in Glendive, Montana. Robert (Bob) was born on July 5, 1936, in New Deal, Mont., to Lawrence and Helen Gilman. He was a graduate of Saco High School, Class of 1954.

Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, Marie Helen; his parents, brothers, Leonard and Roy. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey, Heather and Steven and their mother, Elaine; his sister, Lorna Freeman of Lewisville, Texas; special friend and longtime guardian, Kent Hjelmstad; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His devotion to duty and his country was evident by his service in the United States Marine Corp. He then attended the University of Montana where he received his Degree in Education in the spring of 1960. His first teaching position was in Frazier, Mont., from 1960-1961. He then went to Fairbanks, Alaska, to teach at Fort Wainwright which was an Army post. He was there from 1961-1964. In Malta, he taught junior high and later was the junior high principal from 1964-1980.

Bob refereed over a thousand football and basketball games. He was a lover of sports and the Malta Mustangs. Rated a number one official in both sports; he facilitated a football crew which all had #1 ratings, a rare find.

Having coached football, basketball, and track he was famous for his giant junior high track meet where he started hundreds of races to the delight of the entire high line. During his retirement he attended a vast number of sporting events, becoming an avid fan of the Sioux and Bison while living in eastern North Dakota. He proudly attended two national championships in Frisco, Texas, and one in Arlington, Texas.

A graveside burial service is slated for September 28th at 1:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fort Harrison, Mont. Memorials may be sent to Malta High School for the Mustang sports program.