Bob Guptill passed a few days ago from a long cancer battle. A lot of the people on this forum are probably too young to remember Jack Swarthout and the Texas Wishbone, but many have heard the names of some of the players. RIP Bob. You made the lives of all that knew you a little bit better. Below is part of the obit...
Robert "Bob" Frank Guptill, 65
Former Montana, Las Vegas, Alaska, Maine, and Washington state resident Robert "Bob" F. Guptill, 65, died December 23, 2014 at his home in Gulf Breeze, Florida, surrounded by family.
Mr. Bob Guptill was born April 5, 1949 in Great Falls, Montana, to Edward Lee and Dorothy Vining (Frank). At a very early age, Bob demonstrated an affinity for athleticism. Following graduation from Great Falls High School, Bob was offered a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Montana (U.M.) in Missoula, MT. Bob was highly regarded by his coaches Jack Swarthout, Jack Elway, and Bill Betcher. Bob's inner circle, known as "The Whiz Kids", remained friends for many decades. Bob was a proud Montana Grizzly, and remained invested in his alma mater and its football team. Bob and his 1969-1970 team mates were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. He credited his experience as a Montana Grizzly as the foundation that launched his personal and professional achievements.
Bob worked as an educator after graduating from U.M., and eventually found his profession and passion within the airline industry. Bob retired from North West Airlines (NWA) due to illness in 2008. Bob was a favorite within the NWA customer service management team at Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport. He was marvelled and humbled by the continued support extended to him by his employees and peers for many years beyond his retirement.
Bob is well known for his passion for football: he was a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos and the Montana Grizzlies. Bob enjoyed participating in invigorating debates with his daughter Reghan, a devoted New England Patriots fan. He was also notorious for his vivacious phone conversations with his son Bob, debating and analyzing statistics, tactics, and calls made by referees. Bob especially enjoyed the culinary joys prepared by his daughter Raija, including her homemade lemon meringue pies. Bob frequently yet light-heartedly said, "This is almost as good as mine." Bob's greatest pleasure and pride came from the time spent was his family and friends. He was a proud father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and husband. Bob once told his wife, "I am very lucky, I have it all."
Robert "Bob" Frank Guptill, 65
Former Montana, Las Vegas, Alaska, Maine, and Washington state resident Robert "Bob" F. Guptill, 65, died December 23, 2014 at his home in Gulf Breeze, Florida, surrounded by family.
Mr. Bob Guptill was born April 5, 1949 in Great Falls, Montana, to Edward Lee and Dorothy Vining (Frank). At a very early age, Bob demonstrated an affinity for athleticism. Following graduation from Great Falls High School, Bob was offered a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Montana (U.M.) in Missoula, MT. Bob was highly regarded by his coaches Jack Swarthout, Jack Elway, and Bill Betcher. Bob's inner circle, known as "The Whiz Kids", remained friends for many decades. Bob was a proud Montana Grizzly, and remained invested in his alma mater and its football team. Bob and his 1969-1970 team mates were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. He credited his experience as a Montana Grizzly as the foundation that launched his personal and professional achievements.
Bob worked as an educator after graduating from U.M., and eventually found his profession and passion within the airline industry. Bob retired from North West Airlines (NWA) due to illness in 2008. Bob was a favorite within the NWA customer service management team at Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport. He was marvelled and humbled by the continued support extended to him by his employees and peers for many years beyond his retirement.
Bob is well known for his passion for football: he was a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos and the Montana Grizzlies. Bob enjoyed participating in invigorating debates with his daughter Reghan, a devoted New England Patriots fan. He was also notorious for his vivacious phone conversations with his son Bob, debating and analyzing statistics, tactics, and calls made by referees. Bob especially enjoyed the culinary joys prepared by his daughter Raija, including her homemade lemon meringue pies. Bob frequently yet light-heartedly said, "This is almost as good as mine." Bob's greatest pleasure and pride came from the time spent was his family and friends. He was a proud father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and husband. Bob once told his wife, "I am very lucky, I have it all."
