Robert J. Brennan ( Missoula 1941 )
posted: Jun 21, 2004
Pioneer smokejumper Robert Brennan passed away on June 9, 2004, at the age of 85. Prior to jumping during the 1941 season, he worked for the Forest Service for three seasons. Bob was one of the 16 rookies in the 1941 class and jumped one fire during the slow season. He and Bill Yaggy, both 22 years old, were the youngest in the 1941 rookie class. Fred Brauer and Wag Dodge were among that group.
Born in Hamilton, Montana, he moved to Priest Lake, Idaho in 1952 and worked for many years in the logging industry as a faller. A serious leg injury in 1975 almost ended his life and career. The Doctors told him he probably wouldn't walk again but Bob proved them wrong and ended up walking ten miles a day.