RAPID CITY | Rande Doane Robinson, 59, passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at home.

Rande was born Feb. 16, 1956, in Murdo. He was the oldest of five children born to Bill Robinson and Donna (Robinson) James. From Murdo the family made stops in Groton, Clear Lake, and finally settled in Rapid City.

Rande spent his youth finding new ways to challenge his mother Donna — such as packing his suitcase with all of his books and trying to run away across town at the age of 6. He loved visiting cousins on the farm near Burke and spending time with his grandfather, Will Grow Robinson in the beautiful Black Hills. He enjoyed going with his grandfather to small towns distributing historical markers throughout the state of South Dakota, and he frequently spoke of his childhood memories at the cabin in the Hills and Jolly the horse.

Rande graduated from Central High School and participated on the golf, diving and track and field teams. He had great memories of the lasting, heartfelt friendships he made in high school. Rande started working immediately in his first job at Sambo's as a fry cook, which started a career in the hospitality industry as a general manager including The Galley (Sioux Falls) and Ramkota Hotels in the region.

Rande worked as a contractor in Rapid City for 20 years under Robco Construction. He enjoyed building homes and pole barns, being a handy man, and stopping by his daughter's house to work on her long list. Rande had a generous heart and assisted anyone who needed help.

Rande was briefly married to Holly Verhulst, which brought about the joy of his life, daughter Mande Robinson. One of his happier moments was when Mande decided to move to Rapid City after graduating from high school to be closer to him.

Rande enjoyed fishing with his family and friends and spending time with his granddaughters, Macey and Harper. He got a kick out of Macey, telling her constantly worried mother the story of when he lowered her by a rope so that she could jump off the cliff at Horse Thief Lake. Harper always knew that Papa's pockets would be filled with candy or a sucker for her and himself. He enjoyed playing Gin Rummy, Cribbage and a little Poker too. Rande had a love for books and antiques, and over the years he enjoyed his time on pool and dart leagues and the church softball team. He was a member of the Eagles Club and had the opportunity to serve as President for a time. He loved contributing there by cooking steaks on Friday nights, meals on Mothers Day, playing and calling Bingo, and helping and organizing benefits especially at Christmas. Rande also loved watching the Green Bay Packers.

Rande was a big dreamer with lots of ideas, which likely came from his great-grandfather, Doane Robinson, who was the visionary behind Mount Rushmore. He will continue to fulfill the dreams and visions he had throughout life on his next journey. Ace, Bertram, Pops, Papa, Dad… we love you "104." You will be missed.

Survivors include his daughter, Mande (Todd Elson) Robinson of Rapid City; his mother, Donna James of Rapid City; three brothers, Rodney Robinson of Rapid City, Roger Robinson of San Luis Obispo, CA, and Matthew James of Brookings; two sisters, Candyce Havenstrite of Murfreesboro, TN, and Vicki (Chuck) McLain of Rapid City: one nephew, Kip Stoltz of Rapid City; two nieces, Katie Stoltz of Valrico, FL, and Samantha Havenstrite of Murfreesboro, TN; and two grandchildren, Macey and Harper Elson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Will Robinson; stepfather, Richard James; and son, Rande Jr.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with funeral services following Saturday, Nov. 28, at the First Congregational Church, 1200 Clark St., with the Rev. Ted Huffman officiating.

A luncheon will immediately follow services at the church.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established by the family.