Robert DePoe & Robert DePoe's Funerals

Austin's Uncle Robert DePoe died on Friday, November 20. He was 59 years old. He had ALS and had to retire and used an electric wheelchair the last couple years.

He just became active in the church about 9 years ago. He was sealed to his wife Becky in 2008. He was a great man with a great sense of humor. 

Becky and Robert came to Cardston in the summer so that he could do his Mom's temple work and have his mom and dad sealed. 

Austin and I drove to Polson, Montana, to his funeral. It was a very nice funeral and lots of people came. Most of Becky's siblings were able to come and lots of cousins.

Robert was a member of the Salish Kootenai Tribe. They had a drum circle as we walked at the cemetery to the grave site.

They lowered the grave into the dirt and then everyone went and tossed some dirt onto the casket. Then about eight men took shovels and filled some dirt in. Then a tractor came and finished pushing the dirt in. It was definitely different than any other burial we have been to, but it was intriguing to watch their customs as they return to mother earth.

This is Uncle Robert's son, Robert (Bobby, Bob). He has been suffering from liver cancer. He spoke at the funeral and bore his testimony of what a great man his dad was and also of his testimony of the Savior.

This is all of the Gwilliam cousins that came. All of John & Lily's kids were able to come. Les, Sarah & Austin also came. Bobby has two brothers, Dan and Rodney.

Robert Depoe, Jr. had his funeral on November 28. Robert DePoe III had his funeral exactly one month later, December 28.

Bob, Jamie, Neah, Isaac and Kaylin on the 4th of July

We went to Kalispell the night before the funeral and stayed at a hotel. The roads were really slick around the lake on our way to Polson, Montana, but we made it in time for the funeral.

Bobby was the President of the Salish Kootenai College, and that is where they held the funeral. It was conducted by his Bishop and the speakers told of memories of Bobby as well as talked about the Savior and the atonement. The gym was filled with people that Bobby had influenced. 

Martha's sister Becky has had to face two funerals in one month. She is truly a great women who has been through the refiner's fire.

We went to see Bobby and Jamie in September. When we were there, Bobby shared a few thoughts with us.

"I've gained a new perspective lately. Its all in Heavenly Father's plan for us. If we have trust and faith in Him, everything will work out. It might not be the way we thought it would be. Sometimes it's a walk in the park. I used to be able to walk in the park. I've had lots of good walks in the park and now it is my turn to have some hard times to make me stronger. In a way I have the easy way out."

It is heartbreaking to watch this beautiful family go through this trial. Bobby was a great man. Our hearts will always be with Jamie and her three kids.