Robert (Bob) Gale Bush passed away November 14, 2020. He was born February 20, 1932 to John R. Bush and Leora P. (Cuny) Bush.

Bob was born in Rapid City, SD, graduated from Rapid City Central High School, and then was drafted into the US Marine Corps in 1951 during the Korean conflict. He was stationed at the Marine Corps Airwing Facility in Santa Ana, CA, serving for two years and held the rank of Staff Sergeant at discharge.

He married Arlene J. Johnson from Rapid City, SD on Sept 13, 1952, in Santa Ana, CA, where they resided until his tour of duty ended Sept 18, 1953.

Bob and Arlene moved to Rapid City in 1953 where Bob worked for Sears Roebuck for three years and Western Airlines for a year, before joining the Rapid City Fire Department in 1958 where he made his career, retiring as a Captain after 29 years.

Upon retirement, Bob and Arlene moved to the dream home they built in the Black Hills. He liked to tell people he lived off the ROCHford Road, drawing out and emphasizing that first syllable.  His grandchildren still imitate the way he said that to this day.

Bob and Arlene loved the outdoors, and their home in the Hills was a perfect place for them. They spent several years wintering in Kerrville, TX, and then moved to Westhills Village in 2010 after some health challenges.

Bob was active in the Rapid City Fire Fighter Association, Silver City Volunteer Fire Department, Pennington County Fire Fighters Association, Fire Chiefs of South Dakota, Loyal Order of the Moose, Elks Lodge No. 1187, Big Bend Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir, Black Hills Running Club, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Rapid City, Little League Baseball, Black Hills Racquet Club, Senior Olympics, Minneluzahan and Canyon Lake Senior Citizens, Big Brothers of the Black Hills, Boys Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Kerrville Texas Trailblazer Hiking Club, Korean War Veterans Association, NRA, American Legion Post 22, VFW Post 1273, and the Westhills Village Foundation.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, cross country skiing, marathon running, mountain biking, tennis, golf and travelling. Bob liked people, and Bob and Arlene made many lifelong friends during their travels. Bob remained a kid at heart his entire life. He never missed a zoo, a carnival, an amusement park, a dance or a party – especially a costume party. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Bob developed a strong faith in later life. He loved his Bible study class and through the kindness of Pastor Bob from Big Bend Presbyterian Church and other church friends he was able to attend even after his stroke.  Bob was grateful for the many friends who continued to visit him when he was largely confined to his Westhills Village residence.  His family remembers how hard Bob worked to overcome his health issues, and even when he was confined to a wheelchair, he remained positive.

Survivors include Bob's sister Lois (Jean) Bush Christianson, Rapid City SD; daughter Cheryl (Tom) Halvorson, Overland Park, KS; son Robert E. (Jeannie) Bush, Deadwood, SD; grandchildren Adam (Maran) Bush, Plymouth, MN; Alicia (Curt) Brzezinski, Big Lake, MN; Kendra (Spencer) Robbins, Overland Park, KS; Lauren (Nathan) Lane, Prairie Village, KS; great grandchildren Hailey and Gemma Bush, Dylan and Ayla Brzezinski, Everly and Holden Robbins, Harrison and Jonathan Lane; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leora Bush, and his wife, Arlene.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 6 ^th , at 9:30am at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City, SD, with Pastor Bob Jacobs officiating.  Given the ongoing pandemic, the family requests that those attending wear masks.

The family suggests memorials to Cornerstone Rescue Mission, Big Bend Presbyterian Church, or Westhills Village Foundation.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.