Missing hunter found dead a respected WHS coach

A Beaverhead County search and rescue team found the body of a missing Kalispell bowhunter Sunday afternoon near Wisdom following an extensive eight-day search.

Rob Carter Jr., 53, was found dead in a forested area about one mile from his pickup off Highway 43 near the Big Hole National Battlefield, where he was hunting alone.

Described as an avid outdoorsman, Carter was expected home from his bowhunting trip on Sept. 20.

His wife, Barbara, became worried after not hearing from him for a few days and reported Carter missing Sept. 19. He last had contact with his wife on Sept. 16.

Beaverhead County Sheriff Franklin D. Kluesner II said in a press statement that the cause of death is still being determined by the corner at the state Medical Examiner’s Office.

Carter worked at Plum Creek Timber Co., and was a well-known and respected pole vault coach at Whitefish High School for 13 seasons.

Whitefish head track coach Derek Schulz said Carter was adored by the athletes he coached.

“He was a tremendous person and a tremendous coach,” Schulz said. “More importantly, he was good for the kids.”

He was a volunteer the first 10 years he coached.

“He would drive here every day after work — he just loved the sport and the kids,” Schulz added. “He’s going to be missed greatly by the entire community. He was just a really high-quality person.”

Carter’s wife posted a thank you on Facebook to all who assisted in the search effort.

“I wish that this had not come to my family. My heart aches for my children, Rob’s parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, for my brothers who loved him as their brother. But it has come, and I must deal. I’m overcome by the love, prayers and encouragement,” she wrote. “I will say it again, the only way is through. And my pain is precious, because it is birthed from great love. One day my pain will be my purpose. Tonight, I’m the little engine, whispering, ‘I think I can, I think I can...’ Tomorrow will have new joys and sorrows.”

The weeklong search effort was focused on a 40-square-mile area.

Carter is survived by his wife and three grown children.