Bob (1927 €” 2016) Saltee

Robert "Bob" Duane Saltee was a cool Barbershop dude! Bob was born in Aberdeen, S.D., to Ruth (Runyun) and Julius Saltee on Nov. 9, 1927. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Army in 1946. After the Army, he joined Johnny Cacavas and his orchestra as the featured vocalist and toured throughout the Midwest. In 1949, he married Betty Jean Eder in Aberdeen and welcomed their first daughter, Julie Lorraine, in 1950. After getting his teaching degree in 1951, he taught in South Dakota until 1956.

The family moved to Billings in the summer of 1957, where Bob taught at Lincoln Junior High. Jacque Marie arrived in 1963 as a much anticipated little sister to Julie. After teaching for 10 years at Lincoln Junior High, he began teaching high school English and drama at Billings Senior High in 1968, and retired in 1984.

Bob's love affair with Barbershop Harmony began in 1958 when he became a member of the Billings Big Sky Chorus. During his 50-plus years with the chorus, he sang in many quartets, wrote show scripts, and was named Barbershopper of the Year several times. Along the way, Bob also directed the chorus and served in leadership roles both musically and administratively. Bob was just as much at home fishing as he was at singing. Although he didn't have a ton of luck fishing, Bob enjoyed chasing trophy trout as much as he did singing. Bob's wife Betty passed away in 1997.

Later, Bob rekindled his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Peggy Barker, who describes him as a loving and kind person. Bob and Peggy enjoyed dancing, going to the movies and watching Denver Broncos football.

Bob leaves behind his companion of 17 years, Peggy Barker; daughters Julie (Steven) Wilson, Jacque (Jay) Reinig; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. To his family members, Bob was always their best fan!

Please join us in a celebration of Bob's life at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at Michelotti-Sawyers, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to RiverStone Health Homecare Hospice, 123 S. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101, or the charity of one's choice.