Robert F. Bort, 80

Robert F. Bort M.D., 80, died on June 7, 2017, at the HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell. The cause of death was cardiac arrhythmias.

Bob was born on Aug. 7, 1936, to Fredrick Christian Bort and Henrietta Elizabeth (Fahrenkrog) Bort. Bob grew up on a Centennial Farm with his parents, and sisters Bonni (Hopkins) and Beverly (Quigley) who both survive him. He was surrounded by relatives on neighboring farms and he remembered being able to “know almost everyone” and the friendly and helpful people in the town.

After graduating from Bunker Hill High School (1954) he attended Western Illinois University and completed his Bachelor of Science and medical degrees at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1961. He did his internship at Decatur and Macon County Hospital, his clinical anesthesia at Cook County Graduate School of Medicine in Chicago, and his residency in general psychiatry at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Bob served on the faculty as a special resident fellow and chief resident in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Missouri School of Medicine as instructor and then assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

His professional appointments started in 1962 in the Indian Field Health Center (USPHS) in White Earth, Minnesota, and continued in general practice of medicine in Fairbury, Illinois, staff psychiatrist in Ypsilanti, Michigan, medical consultant in Social Security and disability, medical directorships in Ypsilanti, Ionia and Jackson, Michigan. He has been chief of clinical affairs in Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital, staff psychiatrist in the Wyoming State Hospital and locum tenens in psychiatry in Wyoming, Arizona and Montana.

He was a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He received the Humanitarian Service Award from the American Medical Association for participating in the Volunteer Physicians for Vietnam Program in 1968 and 1972. In 1986 he received from the Michigan Psychiatric Society its “Honor for Meritorious Service” award. In 1990, he received a Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of Outstanding Volunteer Service from the Ypsilanti Regional Psychiatric Hospital. In 1992, he received a Special Tribute Award from the Michigan Legislature after 20 years of distinguished efforts in the public mental health field.

A listing of services he has performed is long, ranging from U.S. Public Heath Service, witness for various state of Michigan legislative subcommittees for corrections and mental health to chief of staff for psychiatric hospitals.

He has had articles published in a number of journals and medical publications and has made a number of presentations and research presentations around the country and once presented at the Chinese Hospital Management Society Conference in Beijing, China, in October 1987.

He retired early due to his heart disease but he did some part-time medical consulting in the specialty of psychiatry throughout the country including the Montana State Hospital.

Bob married Barbara Lesak in 1960 and they were married for 30 years. They had three daughters. In 1991, he married Kelly Smith-Ross and they had six children between them, Mary (Kabin) Thomas, Joan (Eid) Hage, Teresa (Dan) Rice, Liz (Mark) Ross-Lifonti, Ian (Sheau-Ming) Ross and Owen Ross. He had 10 grandchildren and is also survived by his sisters Beverly and Bonni. He also leaves behind his corgis, Benny and Little Girl.

Bob was a wonderful man who served the poor, the incarcerated and the chronically mentally ill with great kindness and skill. He had a beautiful smile that lit up any room he entered. He was a gifted musician who worked his way through medical school by playing in bands. He was very proud of his professional musician’s license in Chicago. He volunteered for many years with Home Options Hospice and with Meals on Wheels. He was an avid skier and volunteered with the Dream Program. He was so proud to receive his Level One ski instructor pin. He loved golf and played often at Whitefish Lake Golf Course. He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his dogs, music and Montana.

Bob was a warrior who struggled with heart disease for most of his life, complicated by severe spinal issues. He never gave up and lived his life as fully as possible.

His funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. June 20 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Conn Road in Columbia Falls. There will be a lunch to follow and we invite those who do not want to attend a religious service to join us for lunch at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, or to Home Options Hospice who took wonderful care of Bob in his last days.