Hundreds honor college president during funeral
Nicole Tavenner
Those who knew, loved and respected Robert DePoe III called him “a visionary” during his funeral services Monday morning at Salish Kootenai College.
Nicole Tavenner
Those who knew, loved and respected Robert DePoe III called him “a visionary” during his funeral services Monday morning at Salish Kootenai College.
Nicole Tavenner
Those who knew, loved and respected Robert DePoe III called him “a visionary” during his funeral services Monday morning at Salish Kootenai College.
Nicole Tavenner
Bishop Adam Smith speaks at the funeral service.
Nicole Tavenner
The DePoe family greets people in attendance.
Nicole Tavenner
Lunch was served after services.
Nicole Tavenner
An etching of Robert DePoe III, the third president of Salish Kootenai College, was on display at his funeral service Monday in the Joe McDonald Fitness Center Gym.
Nicole Tavenner
An etching of Robert DePoe III, the third president of Salish Kootenai College, was on display at his funeral service Monday in the Joe McDonald Fitness Center Gym.
Nicole Tavenner
Those who knew, loved and respected Robert DePoe III called him “a visionary” during his funeral services Monday morning at Salish Kootenai College.
Nicole Tavenner
The Perez family sings an honor song with hand drums.
Nicole Tavenner
Jamie Buhr, longtime friend of Robert DePoe III, brought a bit of humor to the services as he recalled good times with his friend.
Nicole Tavenner
Jamie Buhr, longtime friend of Robert DePoe III, brought a bit of humor to the services as he recalled good times with his friend.
Nicole Tavenner
John Taylor holds a medallion DePoe made for him a few years ago when the two friends enjoyed cycling together.
Nicole Tavenner
John Taylor holds a medallion DePoe made for him a few years ago when the two friends enjoyed cycling together.
Nicole Tavenner
Mac Urie gave the benediction at Robert DePoe III's memorial service.
Nicole Tavenner
A men's choir sings at the service.
Nicole Tavenner
Robert DePoe’s daughter, Neah, plays her clarinet for her dad.
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Tillie Marshall leads singing at the service.
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
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To honor Salish Kootenai College President Robert Reginald DePoe III, drums echoed through the event center at the campus on Monday, Dec. 28.
DePoe passed away a week earlier on Monday, Dec. 21, due to complications from cancer at the age of 40. Hundreds attended the funeral service including tribal leaders, college officials, law enforcement, teachers, friends and family.
Many at the college called him a visionary for all that he accomplished during his three years as president. He established the Founder’s Week much like traditional homecoming events to commemorate those that established the college. He helped develop a student health center, student unions, additional academic degrees and many other programs.
Bishop Adam Smith said a prayer during the service before DePoe’s daughter, Neah, played a song on her clarinet as a tribute to her father.
DePoe grew up in Polson, and graduated from Ronan High School in 1993. He went on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after high school, and then attended college in Utah where he received degrees in criminal justice and communication. He remained in Utah with his wife Jamie DePoe and their three children. It was his goal to move back to Montana, and he jumped at the chance to come back home when he was offered a contract as president of SKC.
During the funeral service, a few of DePoe’s many friends shared stories about his life. He was said to be proud of his heritage as a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal member and he genuinely cared about others. Jami Buhr, DePoe’s friend, said it was an impossible task to think of something profound to say about such a profound man.
“Bob was one of the good guys,” he said.
Buhr added that DePoe was great at many things including three-point basketball shots, although he was terrible at golf, but he would eventually improvement his skills. Buhr said that DePoe often said if your going to do things, do them right, and “in his short time, he absolutely did it right.”
DePoe’s friend John Taylor spoke to the crowd. Through tears, he shared many memories. He lightened the moment by talking about DePoe’s humor. Taylor wore a dinner plate size medallion around his neck during his speech. He explained that DePoe had made the metal contraption from a broken bike chain and break parts. Years ago, Taylor asked, “what do I do with this?” He decided it would make a perfect memorial to his friend if he wore the medallion during his speech
Taylor concluded by talking about how to continue after the loss of such a great man. “How should we proceed after the last drum is silenced,” he asked of the mourning process. “Will we continue to mourn, probably.” But he added, “We should be courageous as a service to his life. We’ve all been better through him.”
