Chester Richard Robbins

Chester 'Chet' Richard Robbins, age 94 years, of Trout Creek, Montana passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. Born May 6, 1922 in Boys River, Minnesota, fifth of nine children born to Charles and Sarah Robbins.

Chet left home at 16 years of age with $16.00 in his pocket. He worked on various farms doing whatever job was available to support himself and help his family. His younger siblings told stories of how Chet always made sure they had something under the Christmas tree. When he had saved enough money he bought his mother her first washing machine.

Chet moved to Lakeside, Oregon and became a ranch hand for Bea Deacan. Bea introduced him to Barbara Larson who became the love of his life. They eloped to Reno, Nevada and married on February 25, 1947. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. They made their home in Jewell, Oregon where Chet joined his father and brothers in the logging business. While in Jewell, Barbara and Chet had three children, two sons and one daughter. In 1955 they moved to Point Arena, California where Chet , his father, and brothers started a sawmill. Barbara and Chet had one more daughter there. In 1963 the family moved to Trout Creek, Montana where they purchased a ranch, raised cattle and Chet logged.

Chet was an amazing husband (recently you would find him feeding Barbara ice cream almost every night in the Clark Fork Valley Long Term Care), great father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, and neighbor. He was always willing to help - whether it be pulling a calf, fixing a broken bailer, or whatever was who needed. His children and grandchildren were truly blessed to have him as a role model who demonstrated honesty, hard work, generosity, kindness, and humbleness.

He is survived by his wife Barbara at the Clark Fork Valley Long Term Care, Plains Montana, sons Gerry (Sue) Robbins of Trout Creek Montana, John (Terrie) Robbins of Modesto California, daughters Teri Hathaway of Quinault Washington and Dorothy Mitchell of Keizer Oregon, 9 grandchildren Lynn Hale, Kathy Fowler, Shad Albano, Mike Robbins, Brent Robbins, Stacy Redfield, Jennifer Haggard, Matthew Robbins, and Tamera Grayson, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Connie) Robbins of Potlatch Idaho and sister Lila (Larry) Bair of Forest Grove Oregon, sister-in-law Anna Marie Robbins of Spokane Washington and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Sarah Robbins, brothers John, Russell, and Charlie Robbins and his sisters Lillian Robbins, Vi Hansen, and Mabel Andersen.

Time brings many changes, but the things that really count are the things you can rely on such as your father's love.

There will be a celebration of Chet's life at the Trout Creek Community Church on Tuesday, June 21 at 2:00 PM. Graveside services will follow at the Whitepine Cemetery and reception following at the Trout Creek Community Church.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Service Information Funeral Service Tuesday June 21, 2016 2:00 PM