Robert Louis Driscoll
“An Irishman is never at peace except when he's fighting.” Robert Louis Driscoll, age 80, died peacefully, Monday, February 1, 2010 after a long struggle with his health. Though his body was failing him and his final years were difficult, he absolutely refused to leave this world without first putting up a spirited Irish fight.
It is difficult to summarize a life as well-lived as Bob’s was. Born to Charles and Mildred Driscoll in 1929, he was a real Butte original. Because he lost his mother at a young age, he spent his school years with grandparents in Billings, but he always returned to Butte for the summers. Like so many good Irish boys, Bob never lost his love for his hometown, and he would return there often.
He began his career with Billings Conoco Refinery in 1949. In 1951, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea until his brother’s passing in 1952. He returned to Billings, where he met Helen Hayes. After the first meeting, Helen’s father remarked, “That’s the boy she’s going to marry.” He was right; the sweethearts married in 1954. Together they had six children, who Bob adored endlessly. After nearly 37 years, Bob retired his career with Conoco Refinery. The following day those adoring children looked on as Bob, Helen and a trusty set of golf clubs boarded a plane to Ireland. It was the first of several beloved Ireland trips they would make over the years. Ireland was not the only place in Europe that beckoned, though. In 1988 Bob and Helen spent a year living in England where Bob trained employees for Humber’s Conoco Refinery.
In addition to giving to his career and family, Bob lived a life of service to the community. He volunteered much of his time to St. Pius X Catholic Church. He was passionate about politics, and spent several years as a Precinct Committeeman for the Democratic Party. We have been so proud to call him our own.
Bob is survived by his wife Helen and sister Pat; by sons Bill (Patty) Driscoll and Brian (Erin) Barnes-Driscoll; by daughters Robyn Driscoll (Skip Madison), Patty Driscoll (Mark Redding), and Milly (René) Rodriguez; by grandchildren Mindi Driscoll, Colin Barnes-Driscoll, Katey Driscoll, Tom Driscoll, Riley Barnes-Driscoll, and Aidan Barnes-Driscoll; by great-grandchildren Robert Driscoll II, and Grace Driscoll. He is preceded in death by brothers Chuck and Jack, and by infant son Christopher.
A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary on Friday, February 5th. Please come and share your memories with us. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday at St. Pius X Church at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be sent to Angela’s Piazza, St. Pius X Catholic Church, or to the charity of your choice.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. As one of the first women in the Condensate Unit at Conoco he made our transition into a "male" type job easier. For that I have always been grateful. Bob was a great guy and a wonderful boss.
Cheryl (Harris) Groshelle
We only know Mr. Driscoll and his family through his daughter, and our
very dear friend, Milly. People generally become kind-hearted, strong, and a generous spirit by having a solid and loving family foundation.In listening to Milly's stories about her family through the years, we are confident it is largely through her parents from whom she gained such wonderful qualities. We are offered a glimpse of Mr. Driscoll through Milly; she is a living tribute, as we are sure all her brothers and sisters are, to both their parents. May the strength of family and friends sustain you all during this very trying time.
Love, Diane & Steph.
Dear Helen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our Dad and Bob were good friends. There will always be a place for them in our hearts.
Love, Shelly Sorensen Greenfield
Dear Robyn and Family,
I was so sorry to read about Bob's passing. I enjoyed having both Bob and Helen in my Senior Introduction to Computer class a few years ago. May God bless all of you at this difficult time.
Cathy Pasquarello
Dear Helen and family,
I am sad to hear of Bob's passing. He was my Dad's best friend in retirement and a great gentleman. He always greeted our family with an Irish twinkle and kindness. And I will always remember his story of seeing the perfect game in the World Series. I can imagine Bob and Dad saying yuk-e-da and skol in the heaven beyond. He was true man of the greatest generation that is passing on. I wish all of you comfort and fond memories of Bob during this difficult time.
Jerry Sorensen
Bigfork, MT
Patty and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I met your dad only once, I know he was a wonderful person because he raised a very nice daughter who is a very dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and may your wonderful memories carry you throught this difficult time.
Nancy Graf