[Nfbmt] Obituary ... Robert J. Deming

[Bruce&Joy Breslauer]

Robert J. Deming

Great Falls -Robert J. "Bob" Deming, 83, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 26 in
Great Falls.

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
<http://www.legacy.com/memorial-sites/army/?personid=167764225&affiliateID=1
630>  Intelligence Corps during the Korean War
<http://www.legacy.com/memorial-sites/korean-war/?personid=167764225&affilia
teID=1630>  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 jr. 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, Montana School for the
Deaf & Blind (MSDB) or Faith Lutheran Church.