The gates swung open one last time for Robert Walter (Bob) Herder (Feb 2. 1936 to Sept 28, 2025), who rode off peacefully on his quad to join his beloved Judy on the eternal trail.    Bob was born in Red Deer, raised tough and true, Bob built his life with grit and a good dose of humor and many cows.  He started the Herder Ranch with just six cows and a stubborn tractor, and alongside his Son Jim grew it into one of the strongest outfits in the county.  Even at 89, Bob could still be found on a quad with his grandson Teryn checking calves and swapping stories, proving that a rancher’s work is really never done.  Bob and Jim always found the time for Coffee and a good old farm chat in the scale house on the farm.  Bob is survived by his son Jim Herder, daughters Kim Herder and Danielle Silo. His Daughter in law Lisa Herder who he adored and spent every night at her table enjoying her beautiful home cooked meals, (The man was well fed), his precious Grandchildren Joel Reno, Rayelle Byzitter, Colby, Grayson and Teryn Herder, Ryan and Ben Silo and his extra special great grandchildren Mason, Ariel and Hudson Byzitter.  Bob was also survived by his beloved Sister Betty Tisdale and June Hedemark, and his brother Charlie Herder, along with many nieces and nephews and his special brother-in-law Glen Tisdale. He was predeceased by his Wife Judy in 2016, sister Luella and special niece Chris Johnston along with his parents Louis and Sara Herder.  Bob was an avid fisherman and spent many fishing trips with his friends in remote fish camps. He taught Colby everything he knew about fishing.  Bob loved his community, the burnt lake area.  He loved his family.  Bob loved a good Herder Hoedown when we cooked up a feast, He curled as a younger man, and his grandson Teryn now sports his curling sweater.  Bob took many tropical vacations with Judy, Africa and a cruise with Craig and Kim.  Bob leaves behind his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with many friends in the cattle community that will miss his steady presence at the ranch and the coffee in the scale house.  Though his boots are now empty, his tracks run deep in the land and in the hearts of all who knew him.

 

Donations can be made to the Special Olympics in his and Joel’s name.

 

A cowboy sendoff will take place Nov 7, 2025, at the Eckville Community Center between 1-5.

• Date : 2025-09-28
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home