Robert “Bob” Leaf passed away on June 18, 2022 at his home in Helena Montana. Bob was born on January 22nd, 1958 to Basil Wilson Leaf and Rose Marie Leaf and was their only child. Bob grew up in Helena’s Sixth Ward. He attended Bryant Elementary School and Helena Middle School. He graduated from Helena High School in 1976. After spending a short time at Dawson Community College in Glendive, he joined the army in what would be the beginning of a lifelong service of his country. He spent well over twenty years in the armed services, ranging from active-duty Army, National Guard, Army Reserves, and finally in the Air Force Reserves. His son, Jacob, was born while Bob was stationed in Frankfurt Germany on July 1, 1982.
In a life full of adventure and pursuit of knowledge, Bob earned Bachelors’ degrees in Criminology and, later, in Computer Science. He worked with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Department, the Montana Department of Revenue, and the Montana Department of Justice before retiring in the early 2000s. In 2008, Bob volunteered for a deployment to Iraq with the Air Force Reserve, a mission he was eternally proud to have taken part in.
Following his retirement, Bob was not content to rest of his laurels and while away his days. He volunteered with Toys for Tots, the Funeral Honor Guard for veterans, and as the prop master for an annual haunted house fund raiser with his friends in Virginia City. Bob’s lifelong interest in history led him to join various living history groups and he was always found dressed the part, helping those organizations to prosper. This hobby also granted him the opportunity to be an occasional extra in History Channel documentaries and even in a feature length film.
Bob loved animals and he was well known for his many donations to the Lewis and Clark County Humane Society. He was never without at least one dog, usually a couple of cats, and the occasional ferret, all of who were “hard luck” cases that Bob warmly took into his home for a better life.
Bob is survived by his son Jacob William Leaf. He was preceded in death by his parents Basil and Marie. Donations on his behalf may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society and the Toys for Tots foundation. Bob’s funeral will be held at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery on Fort Harrison at 11:00am on Thursday July 7, 2022. A reception will follow at the service club on Fort Harrison
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11 a.m.
Thursday July 7, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
FT. Harrison, MT 569636
Luncheon
Following the graveside service
Thursday July 7, 2022
Fort Harrison Service Club
4353 Fredrick Dr
Ft. Harrison, MT 59636
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Mark Colton says
I am very sorry to find out about your passing. You will be greatly missed!
David Blade says
Rest easy friend, we have the watch.
Linda Kindrick says
Just saw this – I remember Bob from grade school at Bryant. He was very quiet. His home was across the street from Bryant.
He obviously grew up from the quiet, shy child to a true warrior, protecting our country.
Thank you, Bob, for all you became. God bless you.
Donald C Paul says
My wife and I were gone most of June and half of July so we where not aware of Bob’s passing. I was with Bob on the Honor Guard until he had to give it up because of his health. My wife and I worked with Bob for many years on Toys for Tots. Bob was always friendly. Bob’s smiling face will be missed at Toys for Tots for sure.
Rest in peace Bob,