On August 19, 2026, Robert Michael Shippy passed away peacefully at home. At the tender young age of 66, he decided he’d had enough of earth's nonsensical rules and moved on to whatever grand adventure awaits next.

Robert was legendary for his skill as a handyman, carpenter, and mechanic—if it was broken, he could fix it; if it wasn't broken, he’d modify it until it was interesting. He was even more legendary for his wild ideas and ambitious startups, including the Space Ball and his very own personal Vortex. A visionary ahead of his time, Robert always had a creative, crafty project in the works. Most recently, he was pouring his heart, soul, and creative genius into the cinematic masterwork known as Sharktana. When he wasn't making jewelry to sell and promote his movie, he would enjoy keeping life simple: sitting down with a fishing rod, a bobber, and a cold beer, as well as playing games with his wife and friends. He was also a man of deep passion for collecting. Robert collected a multitude of treasures over the years, ranging from hammers to marbles—and most famously, a sprawling collection of dogs. From antiques to childrens toys, if it looked like a dog, Robert probably owned it.

A celebration of life will be held in Robert's honor on Saturday, August 29th, from 1pm - 2:30 at the Darby Community Clubhouse, 106 N Main St, Darby, MT 59829. Per Robert’s style, this will not be a day of sadness, but a time of loud remembrance celebrating his unforgettable humor, legendary character, and tall tales.

Thank you for keeping Robert in your hearts