Robert Joseph Casey, 70, of Enterprise, died Aug. 7, 2011, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Mont.

He was born in Flushing, N.Y., the son of Dr. Robert and Myra (Wohleb) Casey. He attended Catholic schools in Rahway, N.J. He graduated from Paul Smiths College with an associate of applied science degree in 1964 and Northern Arizona University with a masters degree in forest management in 1967.

Bob was employed with the U.S. Forest Service for 33 years, serving as district ranger on four districts and three regions. A true story is that he received his first district ranger appointment because he was the only candidate who could saddle his own horse.

During his career, Bob received a prestigious Region One award for developing an innovation accident prevention system entitled L.F.T.A.

Bob first came to Wallowa County in 1979 as Joseph-Chesnimnus district ranger, also serving as Eagle Cap Wilderness ranger, and left the county when he was transferred  to Montana in 1988.

He later moved back to his property near Enterprise after retiring from the Forest Service.

He loved everything to do with the Old West. He was a mule man, a storyteller, a poet and a musician (harmonica and squeeze box), and enjoyed entertaining around a campfire with his chuck wagon to add ambiance. Each year at the end of Chief Joseph Days week he would put on a barbecue for friends with great food and lots of old-time fiddle music.

In 1980 after attending Mule Days in Bishop, Calif., Bob was inspired to bring this type of attraction to Enterprise. He and several buddies started Hells Canyon Mule Days in 1981. Bob was honored as grand marshal in 2006.

He was a community-minded individual who loved Wallowa Countys heritage and beauty and never wanted to see it change.

He established Emotions Anonymous, and was involved with the Enterprise Hometown Improvement Group, the local drug council, AA, Blue Mountain Carriage Club, Wallowa County Future Search. He served on the Wallowa County Museum board and was the first president of the Friends of the Joseph Branch for the Wallowa-Union Railroad. Any project that had to do with heritage perked his interest.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jan, of Enterprise, daughter MegAnne Casey of Great Falls, Mont., step-daughter Stephanie Sweepe of Visalia, Calif., and one step-granddaughter.

There was  a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Buhler Ranch (Mt. Joseph Ranch) near Joseph.