Robert (Bob) J. Vukasin

Robert (Bob) J. Vukasin

Robert Joseph Vukasin, 72, a Montana National Guard Veteran, former bowling alley proprietor and retired I. B.E. W. electrical contractor, died after an extended battle with cancer. Bob passed away on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, in the comfort of his home in Havre. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. At his request, a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials in Bob's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society Montana Chapter, 550 North 31 St., #103 Billings MT 59107.

Bob was born on May 31, 1939, in Great Falls, and was the third child of four children born to Mark and Hannah Vukasin.

He attended school in Great Falls. After school, Bob started working at the ACM Company and Odegards before starting his electrical career as an apprentice with Goggans and Pennies in 1961. Bob enlisted in the Montana Air National Guard in 1963 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1969. He worked for Goggans and Pennies as a journeyman electrician in Great Falls until 1973, then in Havre until 1977. After receiving his master electrician's license in 1977, Bob started his own electrical business, Future Electric Inc. The business was operated by Bob and his wife, Ruth, until retirement in 2003.

As avid bowlers, Bob and Ruth bought the bowling center, K-Lanes/Spare Time Lounge in Rudyard Mont., which they operated for 22 years. During that time, they met and bowled with many wonderful people.

Bob met Ruth Culbertson, his wife of 49 years, in 1960. They were married in Great Falls April 14, 1962. Together they were blessed with four children whom Bob loved dearly. The family lived in Great Falls until they moved to Havre in 1973.

Bob's family came first in his life. He cherished all the time he spent with his family, especially holidays, birthdays, vacations and special events.

Bob had a variety of interests and hobbies. When he was younger, he loved to pan for gold and go hunting with his sons and brother. He also enjoyed trolling for trout and water sports of all kinds at Holter Lake and Fresno Lake west of Havre. Among other interests, Bob liked playing pool, darts and cards with friends and family. For recognition of his love of bowling, in 2008 Bob received a plaque from the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) commemorating 25 years of consecutive participation in the USBC National Bowling Tournament.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Hannah; a son, Mark; and a sister, Shirley Burkhard.

Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ruth; two sons, Robert (Rob) Vukasin II, (Paula Gamble), Rex (Melanie) Vukasin; a daughter, Cindy Vukasin; three grandchildren, Mark Vukasin, Christopher Vukasin and Colin Vukasin, all of Havre; a brother, Albert Vukasin of Great Falls; a sister, Dorothy (Al) Kingston of Great Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences to the family may be posted online at: [email protected]