Robert Dale Starling, 76, died on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at his home in Eureka.  

He was born in Eureka to Vern and Cathleen Starling on Jan. 11, 1938, joining his older brother Raymond. Due to a classmate with the same first and middle name in elementary school he informed his teacher that “some people call me Butch” and was affectionately called that by many friends the rest of his life. He enjoyed one of the most idyllic childhoods imaginable growing up, playing and working in and around Eureka and forging many lifelong friendships. 

His fondest memories were of times spent hiking and camping in the mountains and spending time with his friends in the great outdoors. It was easy to instill those same loves in his family as they grew up in the same places he was so familiar with.

After graduating from Lincoln County High School in 1956, he volunteered for the draft and spent two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany for most of that time. 

Bob married Lynette Workman on Feb. 17, 1961. They made their first home in Warland, Mont., (now under the waters of Lake Koocanusa behind Libby Dam) where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service for the next four years. Children Bob, Karen and Karmen were born in Libby in 1962 and 1963 during this time. The family moved to Anaconda in 1965 where Bob was transferred to the forestry division of the newly established Job Corps Center as a woods supervisor. The following year they moved back to Eureka where Bob spent the rest of his life in the area working in mills, logging and Christmas treeing. 

Bob made his family his first priority and loved and respected his sons-in-law, Maury and John, and daughter-in-law Deb as his own. He was extremely proud of his grandkids Meghan, Nichole, Ryan and Edward. He found great joy in watching his three great-grandkids Josie, Sam and Ethan, play on the floor in front of him, giving him High Fives just a short time ago. He made friends whenever and wherever he went, even while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. He had a passion for his fish pond but even more passion for those that came to “catch a big one.” He enjoyed a lifelong hobby of leather tooling and spent many hours creating gifts for family and friends.

Although cancer may have controlled Bob's life the past two years, he refused to be redefined by the disease. He kept his wit, his charm, his humor and his faith to the last day. He loved and appreciated all those who helped care for him during this time. He died at his home on Grave Creek June 18, 2014, with his children and loving wife by his side. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Adeline Starling, and “second parents” Norbert and Mary Schuck.

 He is survived by his wife Lynette, children Bob and Deb Starling of Columbia Falls, Karen and John Suchy and Karmen and Maury McKinney of Eureka; grandchildren Meghan and Alex Ekholt and Josie of Columbia Falls, Nichole and John Burns and Sam and Ethan of Kalispell, Ryan McKinney, presently on duty with the U.S. Air Force in Guam, and Edward Suchy of Eureka. Also surviving are his brother, Ray, and Peggy Starling, of Spokane; and many, many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. 

Bob was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Eureka and services were held there on June 23. 

Bob was a generous and compassionate person and would be honored to have any memorials in his name given to organizations that help others. The family's favorite is the Wings Foundation in Kalispell. 

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka. Online condolences may be made at www.schnackenbergfh.com.