STURGIS | Robert Ware "Bob" Dennard went home to God on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, after a hard-fought battle against cancer. His final moments were peaceful and were spent with his loving wife and sons. Bob loved life, he was filled with a bright sense of humor and joyous spirit.
Bob was born Jan. 2, 1942, in Gallup, NM. His family moved to south Texas when Bob was very young and his father was away serving in the military during World War II. Bob’s earliest memory of his father was when he returned from the war when Bob was 5 years old. The family moved several times as Bob was growing up and his father pursued his education and career. Bob attended New Mexico State; Bob often said it was the only college he could get into since his dad was the Dean of Admissions. He said his extended time at college could be explained by his love of extra-curricular activities and of course his love of learning.
Bob began his career in mining at Creede, CO. He considered this career move one of his best decisions as it was in Creede where he met and married the love of his life, Barb. It was in true Bob & Barb fashion that their marriage was celebrated at the Creede Hotel, Pub & Bar. The birth of their sons, Chad and Colby completed their family.
Bob’s mining career brought the family to the Black Hills, where they fell in love with the beauty of the area and the wonderful people they met here. Bob continued to work at Homestake Mine until it closed. Bob then began “commuting” to work at Stillwater Mine in Montana. He continued working at Stillwater until his retirement in 2008. Following his retirement, Bob began his new career of “honey-do’s” at home and with the family rental properties. Bob was always busy, working on projects, helping others, visiting at the grocery store.
Bob loved being involved in the community. He was proud member of the Masons and felt blessed to be able to assist with their CHIPs program, he was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and supported the Realtors for Kids program in the Northern Hills. He was an avid soccer, gun, boating and outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed spending time camping and taking friends and family out in his boat. It can be said that Bob never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He lived life to the fullest, with an infectious smile and laugh. His family was his joy and his grandchildren the bright lights in his life.
Blessed to have shared his life are his family and friends. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Friday Feb. 26, 2016 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sturgis with Father Bunker Hill officiating, Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Bob is survived by his wife, Barb Dennard, Sturgis; sons, Chad R. Sturgis, and Colby J. (Kim), Colombus, MT; grandchildren, Cayo W., Serenity J., Aidyn J., Chloe D., and Brenna A.; brothers, Mike and Tim (Christine), all of Raleigh, NC; in-laws, Leland L. & Virginia M. DePriest, Los Cruces, NM; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and many friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George Herbert and Dove Ware Dennard.
Memorials have been established to the South Dakota Child Identification Program or the Realtors for Kids Program.
Condolences may be made to the family at kinkadefunerals.com.
Kinkade Funeral Chapel
Dennard
