After a valiant nine-month battle to return to normalcy, Bob left us on Thursday, May 27th. Throughout his fight he embodied the courage represented by the lion in the Cumming crest, a mainstay in his Scottish heritage.
Bob was born in Altadena, California. He greatly enjoyed time with his father, especially camping. At 14 he began working as a wrangler in Wyoming. During his five years working on the Few Acres ranch he became proficient as a guide, fisherman, wilderness cook, and horseman. Bob studied photography at the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara. He later taught classes in the technical aspects of photography and shared his love for outdoor photography. Most memorable were his trips to Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, and Bodie. He was employed by the community college system in California for 30 years.
After the passing of his beloved wife Pattie in 2007, Bob began searching for areas to retire including Durango, Colorado; Prescott, Arizona; and Cody, Wyoming. His continued search included Florence, Montana where he and Pattie had visited friends in the past. This is where he found the location for his cherished Ranch, on a slope of the Bitterroot Mountains. He fell in love with the great meadow surrounded by the pine, aspen, and apple trees. The little house needed work, in which he took great pleasure in supervising.
His life on the Ranch was what he had sought. He immersed himself in the surrounding country, towns, and people. He loved participating in and guiding the Stevensville Western Heritage Days as well as using his chuck wagon in the chili cook offs. His philanthropy not only touched many in the Bitterroot Valley, but included the Friends of Bodie, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Saline Valley Preservation Association, the Stevensville Main Street Association, the Ned Larson Memorial Scholarship and many others.
Bob especially enjoyed his July 4th cookout, old west shootout, and entertaining in his historic town of Sweeney Creek. Those who were fortunate enough to experience Bob’s culinary expertise will recall his rack of lamb, chicken marsala, and rare pork loin. But his greatest joy was in having the company of his friends, whether across his dining room table or across the country by phone.
Bob had always felt his love for cooking and camping outdoors and exploring old mines and ghost towns was influenced by a past life where he was a wrangler, miner, or a “cookie” on several cattle drives.
Bob is survived by many in the Cumming Clan including siblings, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Bob will be truly missed by all whom had their lives touched by him. Rest In Peace buddy, but get those Dutch ovens started. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfueralhome.com.