We had so many good times together, starting with our hot tub parties on your deck in NM. Our exciting rafting and camping trips to Taos will always be a wonderful memory  for both of us.

Just heard from Chris Brimer Gilboe about Bob.  Out of the loop with the Leslie Family news except for John Leslie, I am sending my condolences to all of you in the family  Love and peace.

We send our love and prayers to your whole family.  Don will miss Bob tremendously.  He made such a point of calling and keeping up with Don's health after his stroke. Love to you all,
Chris and Don Gilboe  (cousin Don!)

Bob & I send our sincerest condolences to Barb and all the children, and to everyone else who loved Bob Leslie.  He was a wonderful friend, and we have many happy skiing memories  spanning several decades.  We also enjoyed visiting Bob & Barb in Philadelphia, Kennewick, and Surprise.  We will always remember Bob as such a fine man, one who was a privilege to know.

Barb, Jennie, Ryan, Mark, and Scott,
Mike and I are deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing.  You all entered our lives over 30 years ago in Pennsylvania.  Although, years have passed and we moved states away, you have always remained in our hearts, best friends. As I say all this it includes, Steve and Greg. They have always looked for those Christmas letters and photos to catch up and remember best friends.  As a therapist, I tell stories of Jennie all the time.  I remember her at 16 as beautiful and lovely and so admire her for her education and teaching those with special needs.  All the Fowlers will never forget taking all the boys to Camp Tockwogh and our traditional luncheon before sending them off. 

Getting to some of the real basics of our boys, Indian Guides.  In true Bob style the camper pulled up to our house and all 5 plus boys and fathers piled inside.  And in 1985 they traveled with TV.  Only Bob could put together that luxary, spirit, and fun.  And let's not forget Bob in his jovial spirit called himself, "bold eagle."  We love him dearly.

Steve and Greg remember the fun trip they took to see you in Minnesota.  Of course, Bob had them out on his boat on one of the many beautiful lakes. Bob even taught my sons where to sit as they flew across the water.  Steve recently reminded me because on the charleston inter coastal waterways I choose to sit in the front and got balanced to the floor of the boat.  Pretty cool how those stories and fun will always remain with us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  And God has opened the gates of heaven with a smile and laugh as Bob entered.

Love,
Barb, Mike, Steve, and Greg Fowler

Barb, Joanie and I were  saddened to learn of Bob's passing.  I enjoyed the benefit of working with Bob for six of his years with IBM. He was universally respected by the IBM community. I personally benefitted from his intellect, commitment, integrity and friendship. Barb, you and Bob made a great team. Frank and Joanie Tomson

BARB We are going to miss Bob. We are both sorry to hear he is lost to so many friends and family that loved him.  He will always be remembered and in our thoughts.   Bob and Carolyn

Barb and Family,

Carol & I (with input from River) spent some time reflecting on all the great times with Bob!  For only knowing him for a few years we have collected many memories.  We talked about "if we wanted to express what Bob meant to us, how would you do it?"    

Who was he?  
Husband 
Father 
Grandfather 
Brother 
Friend 
Neighbor - And so much more!

How do you describe him?
Friendly 
Loving 
Caring 
Courageous - And so much more!   

When you put it all together - Bob was a “Very Special" person in our lives.  We will always remember the good times in the neighborhood (and on the golf course!) with Bob.  And the perfectly cooked filet mignon's.  

Looking forward.......Bob will be missed but we have Barb to help all of us continue on with Bob's  spirit in our hearts.

Barb, you and your family are in out thoughts and prayers.

Wayne and Carol (River too)

Barb, Jen,Ryan,Mark and Scott there are way to many memories to count!  And not enough space to write them in!  You just need to know how much he is loved and respected by so many people!  We all will miss him and love him and carry what he taught us with us forever. All our love  Brian, Mary Jo, Aaron and Timothy

Bob was such a true friend and he will be sorely missed.  We first crossed paths about 20 years ago when we were on the United Way Board of Directors together.  From there we discovered that we went to the same church and were fairly close neighbors on the Canyon Lakes hill in Kennewick. This started a great friendship. 

Bob and Barb joined our small church community and began attending meetings at our house on a regular basis.  It was during this time that Bob was diagnosed with colon cancer beginning a very long and arduous 18 year battle for him.  Throughout all of his struggles with cancer I have never seen anyone maintain a more positive attitude and outlook on life than he did. 

Shortly after we moved to Sun City Grand, Bob and Barb came by for a visit--"only a visit.  We are not going to buy."  The second day they were there they purchased their new home and we were elated to have them as neighbors again or still.  We had many great times and rounds of golf together in the Grand and even up at Flathead Lake.

Bob is the consummate host and throughout the years we have enjoyed many fabulous barbecues with Bob at the helm and Barb providing excellent backup.  He barbecues the best brisket I have ever had.  I have heard many others comment on his prowess over the grill as well.  

We were able to stay close to Bob as he battled pancreatic cancer since 2008 visiting him in Seattle and in Arizona.  During that time I was also diagnosed with cancer so we had even more in common than either of us wanted.  In fact, Bob and I spent New Year's Eve 2009 in the same room receiving our chemo treatments at the same time.  We both finished our treatments with good success, but, unfortunately Bob's cancer didn't stay away.  Throughout it all, Bob has truly set an unbelievable example of how to deal with adversity with true class. He was and is amazing!!

Our sincerest condolences go out to Barb and the rest of his beautiful family for their great loss.  Please know that we are available to help any way we can.

One little side story to help describe Bob.  We were attending the Phoenix Open golf tournament with them and we were sitting green-side when Phil Mickelson got up to putt.  Everything went quiet and just then Bob yelled out "We love you, Phil."  Phil yelled back "I love you too."  Now, Bob, as you putt on the most perfect greens ever we want you to know that we love you too!!

Bob, you have been such a great friend for all of these years and you will be missed terribly.  May God welcome you to his kingdom with open arms, my good friend!!

Oh Barb, we just heard of Bob's passing. He surely fought the good fight! Our condolences to you and your family. I will be in touch soon.
Gail and Tim Driscoll

We were so saddened to hear that Bob lost his battle with cancer. He was an inspiration to Mary and I. His positive outlook of life and his kindness to us will be remembered. He was such a gentle soul and his friendship meant a lot to us. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

I am so very happy that I was able to have lunch with Bob in Arizona with Abbott's last year.  Bob and I had not seen each other since a weekend here in Colorado back in 1966.  We never did get that round of golf in while I was there.   I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Leslie family.  Sincerely, Jerry R Toman, Mandan, N. Dak. and Evergreen, Colorado

We had the good fortune of knowing Bob for the past 14 years of our lives. Barb, some of the best memories we have are of the annual fishing trips with you and Bob. We had it down to a science, when one of us hooked a fish, the motor immediately went off, the other rods were realed in and the closest one to the net assisted in scooping the fish out of the water and into the boat. We even knew just the right spots to troll where we got the most bites. We called it "country club lane". 
Just as memorable, were our camping trips in our RV's. I remember how we joked looking out the RV window at the campers sitting around the campfire in the rain with their tents pitched as we enjoyed our red wine, eating filet mignon and listening to great music; We really loved roughing it!
On a personal note for me, Bob was always an inspiration. He showed me that just because you have the wind knocked out of your sails, doesn't mean you can't keep on sailing. 
Love, 
Jill & Chuck Bliss

Dear Barb and family,
I have such a vivid memory of the Moving Van arriving at # 708 (your Pennsylvania home) in March of 1984.Our family was thrilled that a family with 4 kids was moving next door to us. It seems our families became instant friends! We have so many happy memories of Bob and all of you~ Dan. Ryan and Mark becoming instant friends,Scott with blanket in hand napping at our house, Mary Sue idolizing Jen (the big sister she never had), Bob's comment "let's build a tunnel between our houses so that it will be easy for all the kids to come and go",lunches and dinners at each other homes, the special music recital at your house where our kids and yours performed, your party to welcome the Mercedes that my Mom and Aunt gave me for my 40th birthday, Bob taking the time from his business schedule to attend my Mom's funeral on Long Island and so much more.
We loved Bob's genuine love of you and his children, his easy going demeanor, his great sense of fun, his incredible sense of adventure. He was a true friend in everyway!!
Even though you lived next door to us for just 6 years, we are overjoyed that our friendship endured. We haven't seen Bob, you. Jen, Ryan, Mark or Scott that much in the last 24 years but we kept in touch by phone, letters and emails. When I last talked to you in June. we just picked up where we left off. It seems as though time was erased and we were back on Woodcrest Circle
Our entire family sends our condolences to you and your family.Please know we feel your pain and sorrow. We hope you in turn can feel our sympathy and love.Keep strong!
Much love,
The Bushey family...Michael, Kathie, Dan and Mary Sue

We at the Coyle Family were saddened to hear of the passing of my cousin Bob who I used to call Bobby John years ago when we would visit the Leslie Family in Kalispell.  I had great memories of Bob and enjoyed being in his company.  Bob and I are the same age and remember a time when he visited Butte in 1959 when he played football for the Kalispell High School Braves and was an all state center on the team.  Bob and I got together and attended a dance at the Hotel Finlen in uptown Butte.  It was fun being with him and he had a lot of spirit and I admired him a great deal.  Everyone will miss a great person like Bob.  Sorry to have him gone.  Jim Coyle

We will never forget our wonderful weekend with you on the Flathead where we enjoyed the ride on the boat and the 'ladder' game. Afterwards, we went right home, bought PVC pipe and made the game. Now we will name it "Bob's Ladder Game" in his honor. He will be missed by many!

On Monday evening, I lost my best friend, companion and the love of my life. For eighteen years, he fought two types of cancer with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. His faith, inner strength and unbending power to live each day to its fullest is his greatest gift to me. He NEVER gave up-- not once. 

I know Bob is up in heaven, probably at the bar, telling me “you can do it.” I know I can because he left me with a indescribable support team- his mom, sisters, my sister, our children, grandson, and so, so many friends.

Every day we'd get up, have two cups of coffee and read our horoscopes. On Tuesday, Bob's read: “It's as though you have lavender-scented oxygen and are inhaling life on a whole new level.”

I love you Bobby John..., Susie Q

I'm so blessed to have had such an amazing dad. My dad was the hardest working man I know and the most organized person in the world. Oh yes... and he was the king of laminating and labeling things. My dad loved to help me with projects, whether it was painting my house, hanging pictures, buying a car, moving, or doing crafts. His advice was “If you are going to do it... do it right.” He was never impatient. He took his time to make sure it was perfect. Most importantly, I'm appreciative thad dad supported me through thick and thin. He stood by my side, protected me, and gave unconditional love. I was my dad's little princess and he always made sure I felt like one.

We met Bob and Barb at our first RV Club meeting, when we moved to SCG in 2003.  It is been our pleasure and sincerely an honor to call both of them our friends.  Bob never met a stranger, and from our first moments with him, he made us feel like we had known him forever. Such a dear couple, and a special man; Bob we cherish our memories of you and will always be thankful that we knew you.

A good friend of Mark and I posted on Facebook, “Knowing you and your brother, I can tell that a great man has passed on.” He is absolutely right! My father was a great man. He was a loving, supportive, hard-working, motivated, and organized father with whom I shared many hobbies and interests like boating, camping, computers and cooking. It was obvious to those that knew him, that making his family happy was genuinely what made him happy.  He did everything in his power to make sure that my siblings and I, were well traveled, well cultured, well adjusted, and well educated. I could not have asked for a better father. I love and miss him dearly, will always remember the good times we had, the wonderful things he did, and the incredible life he provided for us. His legacy and spirit will always be with me.

My dad always supported my hobbies. Luckily we shared a lot of interests: football, motorcycles, waterskiing, snow skiing, golf, fishing, camping, and cars. I'm fortunate to have been able to spend time with him doing what we love to do. One important lesson he left with me is to “treat others the way you want to be treated.” My dad treated me without judgement, and he was always nice and honest. My dad lead his life with a good sense of humor. I remember going to sporting games and my dad would say “Oh, I forgot the tickets!” as we were about to enter, even though he always knew he had them in his pocket. And, at the end of every purchased meal he would say, “I didn't order that!” referring to the check. The servers never really understood the joke, but that's what was so funny about it. These are jokes that stuck with me that I use now to this day. Dad was a jokester. I loved that about him. Last but not least, my dad taught me how to flirt with the ladies.

My Dad helped me with so many things throughout my life. He would take me to sporting events, including the World Cup; helped me build a skateboard ramp; taught me how to waterski and fish; and provided guidance throughout college and in my professional life. I was so happy to see my Dad be able to meet, hold, and play with his first grandson Kevin. I can see a part of my Dad's smile in Kevin's face and I know that he'll be looking after us forever.

When Dad came to Taiwan for our wedding, my family loved him from the start. He brought joy to everyone with his optimism and happy outlook. Dad gave the best encouragement to make me become a better person. He would always say to me “You are the best mom.” So when I get frustrated, I reflect on his words and it gives me reassurance. Dad thought about others people's needs before his own. From his conversations, not only with me but with others, it showed me that we need to be sympathetic. For example, he would ask “What do you need?” “What can I get for you?” Even when Dad was really sick, he still thought about his kids and how they were doing. He downplayed his talk about the pain he was suffering. His spirit was tough even through hard times.

Halloween trick-&-treat time found Bob and good friend, David Heib, traveling the streets
of Kalispell.  He used a pillow case to gather his goodies, while I was in charge of we sisters. At the end of the night he stashed his treasures in his bedroom, and should I request a piece of his candy, high negotiations were in order. For example, he demanded that I make his bed, clean his room, fold his newspapers, or help collect from late-paying  paper customers. He was a business man at a very young age.

I have great memories of you Bob, especially from our High School days. Memories include:  dancing to your music while you played in the Flathead Jazz Band (he played an alto saxophone)  cheering at your football games and sharing the joy with you for winning the State Football Championship. Although with busy lives raising our children, we didn't get to be together a lot in those days but our phone calls always kept us connected. In your last few years we felt closer than ever. You were an amazing man, always smiling and looking on the bright side of life, never giving up. You never missed sending me a birthday card, I'll really miss that. God blessed you with a wife that is beyond any man's dream, you truly were blessed. Barb is a true treasure, more precious than gold. Your kids are blessed to have had you as their father and we know how much you enjoyed Hazel and your grandson, Kevin, especially the last two weeks. The are truly are a joy and a blessing. 
This sums up your life Bob: from II Timothy: 4:6  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 
I'll see you in heaven and thank God for giving you to our family as our only brother.

I could never have asked for a more wonderful big brother. He so loved his sisters and was always there for us. 

I am so thankful for the memories of the last several Thanksgiving, when I was in Arizona at Bob and Barb's. My son Paul also joined us for turkey. However, first it was the “putting contest!” Bob loved winning that!

A very special memory for me was on my 18th birthday. Bob not only gave me a great card with money, but the use of his “brand new” Bonneville convertible! He had recently started with IBM in Bismarck. To this day, I still can't believe he trusted his little sister with his new wheels- but then- that's Bob. I will love and miss him forever!

To My Favorite Brother,
Oh, that's right. You are my only one. You still were the best!
Thanks for always being there for me. You were my first employer, paying me 25 cents every time I rubbed your head or tickled your arm. Wish I would have kept all those quarters. I might be living in Sun City Grand! :) I will always remember your favorite saying to me, “Is it a need or a want?” Living here would definitely be a want!!  Dean and I have such wonderful memories of our visits and trips with you and Barb. Bob, you were a great tour guide in Las Vegas and who knew Jerome would be such a blast. You are so loved and will be deeply missed. God Blessed me with the perfect brother.
    Love You! 
     Your Little Sister,
      Coyla

Where do you begin when you want to express your thoughts and feelings about a person who has provided so many laughs and good times. From the first time we met you treated me as part of your family. I am so grateful. I will always take care of your little sister. As Bob Hope always says, “Thanks for the Memories” bro.

Bob you will be so missed. I feel grateful and privileged to have known you. I always admired your ability to have fun with everyone, from your friends to the waitresses. The last time we were with you in Arizona, you took us to a great Mexican restaurant. By the time we left, you were practically a member of the mariachi band. They had so much fun with you and you with them. A typical evening out with Bob. I promise to continue your excellent barbecue training and will never use my “happy hooker” without thinking of you. You went through so much that was difficult and painful, but I never heard you dwell on the negative and certainly never heard you whine or lament your faith. Loved the way you loved your wonderful family and how you were always there for them. You remain my inspiration to live life to the fullest and I'll miss you more than I can say.

When I have described Bob to my friends over the years, I have always concluded “He's just a delightful guy.” I have asked myself in the last few days why that description came to me so naturally over and over and why I always looked forward to my visits with him. Bob just seemed to delight in his life, in what Barb, his kids, and his sisters were doing and in what he could do for you or with you. His delight, energy and (mostly successful) humor rubbed off on you when he was around. Bob in now gone but for me the delight of being with him will always remain.

To Barb, Linda and Rand and the entire family:  It is with our deepest sympathy that we learned of Bob's passing.  He was always a joy to know in High School!  We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks that God will hold you in His arms and give you peace at this time.
Nancy and Allen Zimmerman

Bob was the life of the party; he always had a smile on his face and he was one of the strongest people I knew. It gave me a great deal of joy to have him in the gallery watching my play golf. He would be there with Barb cheering me on and keeping track of every stroke I made. He was a joy to be around and will truly be missed. Love you Bob
-Molly Lindbloom

The Ryans, Rineharts, and Leslies spent so many incredible moments together and Bob was the leader of the band.

If was June, 2000, when Glen and I first met Bob and Barb Leslie.  We were all in the design center of Sun City Grand, planning our new homes.  Someone pointed out that we had purchased adjoining lots and introduced us.  Conversation immediately flowed like water over a fall...and the rest is history!  It was one of those lucky days in life, the gift of 14 years with great neighbors who have become dear and great friends.  We promptly make plans for lunch...and yes, Barb, we did/do imbibe.  Your concerns were for naught as my ensuing 'red wine fests' with Bob did attest! That first summer took us to Lakeside, MT and The Flathead to visit them in their "little piece of heaven".  They visited us in Bellevue, WA that fall and by the dawn of 2001 we were next door neighbors.  Would that all of you could have a Barb and Bob in your lives.  It has been a wonderful and great run!

Memories of Bob:
His endearing and enduring smile; his twinkling eyes; his best ever tenderloin steaks; his love of red wine (thanks, Partner!); ever the consummate Host; His love of a good party; his well stocked bar; his deep and abiding love of family; his organization skills; his 'organized hoarding' of magazines and clipped articles 'to be read' at a latter date; his files as well as files of files; his need to laminate everything (we have recipes as proof!) his love for The Flathead and all that is MT; his frustrations with golf..."Barb beat me!"; his computer knowledge.....ad infinitum, the rush of memories goes on.

Each of us is unique, but Bob had special qualities that drew people of all life's walks to his side.  He was rarely critical or complaining... certainly he had a right to do the latter.  There should be a limit of no more than one (actually none) bout of CA per person in this world.  Never two!.  Bob's will and endurance saw him thru the last six years, defying all odds and  medical probability.

We will miss the 'mail box meetings'..."Hi, Bobby"..."Hi, Dor-ris", the hugs, the red wine, the distinctive horn honk in early June when the motor home headed north to MT...and again the 'honk-honk' announcing their return in early October.  When that 'rig' headed west for California this week, it's hard to believe it didn't automatically turn north heading for The Flathead.

These past few years especially have been much about Bob, his health and the depth of his resolve to overcome.  But as the old adage goes..."behind each successful man...".  If indeed this is true, Barb Leslie personifies this premise.  Her dedication, her caring, her flexibility, her patience, her strength even when the obvious was imminent spoke volumes on a relationship whose mission was to carry out their marriage vows of 42 years ago.  Should that we all have those qualities.  As she said in a recent conversation, "I've had 18 years of practice!"  Having been eyewitnesses for much of that time, we can attest to that statement.  They were/are  a couple in concert with one another.

Barb, Jen, Ryan, Mark, Scott, Hazel and Kevin (Bob's 'look-alike' pride and joy grandson) as well as his sisters and extended family...we feel blessed to have been a part of your lives, unfortunately but especially through Bob's final years.  Find peace, knowing that your husband, dad, and brother had a well lived and happy life.  His inspiration to all of us was to enjoy and get the most out of all our earthly life has to offer.  He had a great soul which gifts all of us with wonderful memories.

We celebrate Bob's journey that has brought us all to this place in time, as a reminder of the roads we have traveled together, our hopes and private thoughts that keep us longing for more.

"Take a quiet moment to look skyward and believe in all the magic that will surely be".....Flavia      

Peace will come.  Time will heal.

To paraphrase Mr. Rogers.....It's been a sad week in the neighborhood... and for the neighborhood.  But for Bob,' No more Pain...Only Sunshine!'

We love you all.  God Speed,
Doris and Glen

Bob & Barb were often travel companions in our motor homes.  Bob was a great trail boss in leading us to New Mexico with many adventures and fun along the way.  The many memories of fishing on Vancouver Island and viewing the homes as we boated around Flathead Lake will be missed.  Bob was a great friend and one of the reasons we now live and winter in Sun City Grand.  He will be missed but never forgotten!  Harry & Sara (Kennewick,WA/Surprise,AZ)

This is Katie from Dr Nazareno's office. I just wanted to say I'm very sorry for your families loss. It was my pleasure to be a part of his care these last 9 years. My families prayers are with  you and yours.- katie

Well, I enjoyed seeing you every time you came into the office my friend. Just as I told you all then, I will say again, I love you and love your family.  You taught me a lot and the peace you brought in with you every visit will never be forgotten for me.

To God be the Glory~ 
Rest now and rest in Him who created you. 
Love always, 
Kendra Gibson-Hopson

In 1991, Superintendent Gary Fields of the Kennewick School District in the state of Washington had the vision to create a Parent Network to support the health and academic success of each and every one of the district's 14,000 students.  It was a bold undertaking in a community of 50,000 residents.  He knew he would need a very strong and influential group of parents to lead this effort.  The Director of Student Services (Marlis) was asked to help spearhead this initiative.  The first thing we did was ask each of the 16 schools' principals to bring 4 of their parent leaders to a kickoff meeting.  Therein, entered Bob and Barb Leslie to our lives.
One evening at a reception with over 60 parent representatives, Leon and Bob met.  That was the beginning of an incredible friendship between the Leslies and the Lindblooms.  Bob talked with Leon, the civil engineer, about the new home he and Barb were building in Canyon Lakes.  Barb and Marlis began learning about each other's children.  I doubt the 4 of us talked with anyone else the rest of the evening!  
Bob and Leon were like clones:
• Both played saxophone in a high school jazz band.
• Both rode motorcycles in their youth.  To this day, Leon is still envious of Bob's motorcycle trip through Europe.
• Both have a love of German cars – each had a two door Mercedes coupe.
• Both own a blue Cobalt boat, same size and same model.
• Both, unbeknownst to each other, bought the same shirt at Mountain Regatta on the same day in McCall, Idaho. 
• Bob said his name is unique….spelled backwards he's still Bob.  Leon said his name is celebrated every year at Christmastime-spelled backwards he's Noel.
• Montana is a special place for both.
As life so often does, paths took our families miles apart.  Yet, the friendship grew even stronger.  Leon & I had already learned Lesson #1 from Bob and Barb:  They were, are and always will be very special people in our lives.  
So, onward, life took us all.  Bob & Barb quickly sold their beautiful home in Canyon Lakes.   Bob always said he wanted to live on Leslie Road.   For a few months while their new home in The Grand was under construction, that they did….rented a condo on Leslie Road in Kennewick.  We said our goodbyes and the beautiful shiny new RV motored south.  We began to learn Lesson #2:  True friendships simply grow stronger with time.  The triangle connecting the Tri-Cities, Washington to Flathead Lake, Montana to Surprise, Arizona was just miles, nothing else.  Whenever we were together, it was as if we had never been apart.
Lesson # 3 was learned each summer at Flathead Lake:  When you go fishing with Bob and Barb, you always catch fish.  The Cobalt boat was perfectly equipped with fishing gear readied by Bob and picnic lunches catered by Barb.  Captain Bob directed his deck crew, Leon, to push off from the dock in Lakeside & a beautiful day always awaited.  Sometimes it was fish first.  Other times it was lunch at Wildhorse Island first.  After lunch on the beach, Bob would take his nap while we found the perfect stones in the crystal clear waters of Flathead.  Bob woke from his nap, and, as if on cue, the mountain sheep living on the island slowly came from around the corner, drank from water's edge then slowly grazed their way back into the woods.  Bob said, “See.  I told you they'd come.  Now let's go fish.”   We were quickly in the middle of a school of fish.  Bob handed a fishing rod to Molly, Nicole & Marlis who each effortlessly caught a fish.  Now it was the deck hand's turn, but unfortunately, Leon wasn't as lucky.  As Bob took our family photo, each of us holding our “trophy” fish, Barb had made sure all of us have a fish.  Leon's just happened to be a Pepperidge Farm goldfish cracker.  Years later, that photo still sits in our great room for all to see.   Bob and Barb made every day every year at Flathead Lake as special as they are.  Each trip brought great anticipation.  The first or last morning at the lake each year Bob would deliver cinnamon rolls from Buns on the Lake.  Bob and Barb always scouted out the perfect huckleberry picking spot on the mountain.  Mouths watered knowing we'd taste one of Barb's huckleberry pies after one of Bob's famous grilled beef tenderloins.  Adults sitting on the dock, wine glasses in hand watching Jenny's Labrador, Cayden, and Nicole's Labrador, Zoey, endlessly retrieving the Wubba's from the lake was a beautiful sight.  The dogs seemed to proudly always bring their prized Wubba to Bob, shake vigorously & say “Let's go again, Bob.” Flathead Lake will forever hold special memories because of Bob and Barbara.     
Lesson #4:  Golf doesn't have to be played like Rory McElroy or Phil Mickelson to be fun.  When you are with Bob and Barb on the course at The Grand or Meadow Springs Country Club or Buffalo Hills, golf is always fun.  The 4 of us were at our golfing best as spectators either at the PGA Phoenix Open or watching daughter, Molly, play in nationally ranked high school tournaments in the Phoenix area.  Bob always said that God told him that his place (Bob's) on Easter Sunday was being Molly's encouragement following her each and every hole of the final round in Scottsdale at the Kierland Course.
Lesson #5 has been the hardest yet most poignant to learn:  Cancer is a dark and inhumane journey that only most incredible people named Bob and Barb Leslie can handle with dignity and grace. Each step of the way they have taught us strength, resolve, compassion, humility, and love.  Together they have been one.  Giving up was never an option.  Each remission made each day of life more special.  Each return of the tumors brought fierce determination and strength to fight.  Walking into Bob's hospital room at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Leon & I were greeted by Barb's always smiling face and Bob's “I'm doing ok.”  As the cancer was continually taking over the physical body, we learned it was not taking Bob and Barb's will.  We have learned that ordinary every day experiences like that second cup of coffee quietly shared over the newspaper each morning are special.  We have learned that special experiences are even more incredible when shared with Bob and Barb…the picnic lunch in the rain before the Yanni Concert at the Columbia Gorge Amphitheater or in February only five short months ago at the Chihuly Exhibit at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens.
Bob has touched our lives in deep ways that words cannot adequately express.  Barb and Bob shall be in our lives always.    
We love you both.
The Lindbloom Family

I remember our two family's' times on Bitterrot Lake and at each other's homes in kalispell. Our parents were great friends and our fathers worked together at first National Bank. Bob and I went through high school together and shared many of the same friends and times boating and gathering on Flathead Lake. Many shared conversations about how fortunate we were to have been raised in the Flathead with all the amazing outdoors to play in. My condolences to all the family!

I have so many wonderful memories of Bob. From summers in Kalispell, through his time at Carroll, to a wonderful day we spent in San Francisco in 1969 and a couple of days we spent with Bob and Barb in Kennewick. I miss you, Bob. My heart is with your family.

DAD
We'll always remember
that special smile,
that caring heart,
that warm embrace,
you always gave us.
You being there
for Mom and us 
through good and bad times,
no matter what.
We'll always remember
you Dad because 
they'll never be another one
to replace you in our hearts,
and the love we will always
have for you.
Love, Jen, Ryan, Mark, Scott and Hazel

Bob was my first manager when I went to work for IBM when I was 22 years old and he had a huge impact in my career at IBM as well as after I left and went to work at Cray.  He was both a mentor and a father-figure to me at the same time, teaching me about business but caring even more for the kind of person I was growing up to be.  Brenda and I wish the best for Barb and the entire Leslie family.

We had so many wonderful times together.  We usually behaved ourselves. I will miss you and will be sure to spend time with Barb, and a glass of good wine. Love you!

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Leslie Family - love you all so much & will keep everyone in our prayers. Marca, the kids & I look forward to seeing everyone & celebrating Uncle Bob's life with you in Kalispell.

Bob has lived life as an inspiration to his family and friends.  To be sick for so long, and fight and smile through the battle, all the while being the solid citizen, funny, organized, and loving friend we cherished.  BTW, could you laminate something for me?  We miss you.

What a beautiful photo tribute to a life well lived. 
We share many fond memories. 
We send our love to Barb and family.

OBITUARY

Robert John Leslie

May 20, 1942 – July 21, 2014

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