Robert “Bob” Gordon Cooley

Robert “Bob” Gordon Cooley, 94, of Polson, died on Sept. 7. Bob was the eighth of nine children born to Daisy and Wilford Cooley, on October 17, 1917 in Sarpy, Mont.  Bob graduated from Corvallis High School, and went on to work for the Forest Service and Bently Orchards before enlisting in the Navy in 1939. During his military career Bob served aboard the U.S.S. Nevada, U.S.S. Kanawha, U.S.S. Hornet, U.S.S. Caldwell, U.S.S. Cicily, and was stationed in Guadalcanal, New Zealand, Guam, Washington, California, Hawaii, and Georgia. On his first night in New Zealand Bob met Nola Pointon and they were married in December 1943.  After 20 years of military service and the birth of four sons, Bob and his family relocated to New Zealand permanently, where Bob established the first bowling alley and had other successful business ventures.  Upon his wife Nola’s premature death, Bob returned to Polson where he met his long-time companion Elsie Culver.  Bob and Elsie led very active lives including dancing, bowling, skiing, the Senior Olympics, and were avid card players. Bob is survived by sons, Dale (Brigitte) of Dayton, Robert (Marion), and Wayne (Linda) of New Zealand; grandchildren, Amber of Helena, Mark, Eleanor, Michael, Caroline, Yvette, Teresa, Marcia, Gavin, Brandon, Dale; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren all of New Zealand, and Elsie Culver of Polson. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, two brothers, wife Nola, son Murray Cooley, and grandson Stephen Cooley. A memorial service will be held at the Polson Senior Citizen Center on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Polson, the Polson Senior Citizens Center, or a non-profit military organization. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Bob was much loved and will be missed.  Fair Winds and Following Seas.