Dr. Robert James Frank

Dr. Robert “Bob” James Frank, age 80, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, in Columbia Falls, Montana. Bob was born Dec. 19, 1941, in Billings, Montana to Ruben “Snubby” & Blanche (Rosean) Frank.

Bob moved to Whitefish, Montana with his parents in 1942, where they opened a small grocery store called Snappy’s, he worked there until he was 18 years old. Bob also worked as a smoke chaser for the U.S. Forest Service and Railroad work crew during the summers.

Bob graduated from Whitefish High School in 1961 where he played football in various positions and was even homecoming king. He loved sports and continued to play football for the University of Montana Western in Dillon. He then moved to Chicago to attend Northwestern University and received his certificate of physical therapy. Bob continued his studies and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery, at West Virginia Dental School.

Bob moved his family from West Virginia to Greeley, Colorado to open his dental practice. Bob had two very successful dental practices, in Greeley and Johnstown, Colorado. He was accepted into the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics prestigious worldwide society of health care professionals. Bob continued to lecture across the United States on TMJ-temporal mandibular joint syndrome, while maintaining both practices. Bob also began Pro-Perio, a management consulting company that offered skills in soft tissue procedures across Colorado. Bob retired in 1991 due to a bicep injury while picking up a piece of heavy dental equipment.

Although he was quite young to retire, it gave him an opportunity to enjoy many activities. Bob moved back to Whitefish, Montana in 1993 and proceeded to build two homes and opened a Restaurant/Bar called Coaches Corner and Club Central.

Bob’s pride and joy were his kids (Robin, Marty, Kristen, and Tyler), he spent many hours watching his kids play football, basketball, baseball, countless wrestling matches and numerous tennis matches. His favorite stories include when he took Marty and Tyler to Europe and hunting in Alaska. He would spend numerous summers in Colorado to spend time with family. He loved to golf and try new courses. He especially enjoyed living on the golf course at Meadow Lake and watching his lab, Molly, run after golf balls on the course. He had a witty sense of humor and loved to tell stories (true or exaggerated), collect movies, woodworking, hunting and fishing. He always offered words of encouragement and would say “Whatever your goals may be, you are only a decision away”.

He is survived by his daughter, Robin Harris (Paul), son, Martin Frank (Melanie), grandsons, Mason Frank and Maddox Frank, daughter Kristen Bruce (Shane) grandsons, Caleb Bruce, Clay Bruce, Brennen Bruce and granddaughter Shiloh Bruce, son Tyler Frank (Meagan), granddaughter Lilly Frank, Charlotte Frank and grandson Jaxton Frank, and nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Oct. 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge, 2 Fairway Drive, Whitefish, Montana.