STEVENSVILLE – Robert Eugene Nicely peacefully passed away in his sleep at home on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, with his constant companion and service dog, Porsche, snuggled in his neck. Robert was born Dec. 9, 1927, to D.G. and Eula Nicely of Payson, Oklahoma. Robert received his education and college education in Oklahoma. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and served most of that time in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1950. Robert worked 13 years for Douglas Aircraft in California as an electronic technician and armory specialist. He was a deputy sheriff for Missoula County for eight years and then worked for the Montana Highway Department until his retirement in 1990. He was a Master Masonic Mason and Shriner. Robert married his soul mate, Lucille, on Jan. 23, 1949. Together they shared a very full life. They both enjoyed camping and fishing and the outdoors. Many years were spent camping at Bass Creek, one of their favorite spots. When Bob was not enjoying the outdoors, he and Lucille could be found dancing to their favorite bands at the Senior Center, Jokers Wild, Fort Owen, Rustic Hut and wherever a good band would be playing. They enjoyed frequent gambling trips to Las Vegas; Reno, Nevada; and Washington. After Lucille died in 2011, Robert went to live with his daughter Bert and her husband Loyd. Robert embraced the active and new life that was given to him and that twinkle in his eyes came back. Just about every weekend, the campers left the yard and Robert was on his way to an AKC dog agility competition. He could be found watching every dog compete while holding his faithful companion Porsche on his lap. He made many friends during these years and everyone loved seeing him at the events. Robert traveled to the AKC Agility Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2013. He was able to visit with his sister Mable and many family and friends in Oklahoma that he had not seen for many years. Robert went to Hawaii in 2014 and again in 2015. He had never been there prior to those trips and loved the islands. The bougainvillea plant was his favorite and he commented daily on what a beautiful plant it was. Along with traveling to dog competitions, Robert enjoyed traveling to his favorite gambling spot in Jackpot, Nevada, where he would meet up with his son John and daughter-in-law Francine for long evenings of gambling. Robert loved to travel and be on the go, even if it was just for a short drive. The last years of his life were definitely spent being on the go and traveling. Preceding him in death were his parents, four sisters, two brothers and one daughter. Survivors include two daughters, Roberta "Bert" Nicely-Moran (Loyd) of Stevensville and Betty Hart of Missoula; one son, John Magarro Jr. (Francine) of Mission Viejo, California; and one sister, Mabel Neer of Chandler, Oklahoma. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his devoted service dog Porsche, which he loved dearly. At his request, there will be a private celebration of his life at one of his favorite campsites, Bass Creek, later this summer. Cremation has taken place at Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. Memorials may be sent to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Spokane, Washington, or to the Humane Society of Western Montana in Missoula.
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