Robert Elton "Bob" Haskell

1934 - 2025

Robert Elton "Bob" Haskell

February 4, 1934 - November 3, 2025

Robert Elton "Bob" Haskell, Rapid City, passed away November 3, 2025, at the Hospice House in Rapid City, age 91. He was born at home at the corner of New York Street and 4th in Rapid City on February 4, 1934, to Albert and Thelma (Cook) Haskell. His early years were spent in Belle Fourche. He moved to Hill City when he was in the 8th grade, a place he dearly loved.

On May 14, 1952, Bob married Sandra Mains. To this union four children were born: Steve, Terry, Bobbi and Leslie.

Bob worked for Barber Transportation; first in downtown deliveries, but was quickly moved to sales, becoming the Vice President of Sales. Through his great relationships with many businesses, he was able to raise funds for many worthy causes in Rapid City. He helped to form the "Diplomates" for the Rapid City Chamber, serving as it first chairman. He served on many boards in the hills area. Bob was active in the Pennington County Republicans. He served in the South Dakota Senate and on the Pennington County Commission.

Lions Club was always central in Bob's life, his dedication to service shown throughout his 64-year membership. He lived by the Lions motto, "We Serve." He was inducted into the SD Lions Hall of Fame in 2001 and was awarded many honors. He was passionate about member recruitment, as he himself sponsored 100 members into Lions and assisted in starting new clubs in other communities.

With his wife Sandy, Bob spent years researching family history throughout Europe and the United States. He was the State Commissioner for Clan Donald for South Dakota and was proud of his Scottish ancestry. Many knew him by his McDonald tartan tam.

In younger years, he was an avid hunter. In support of his hunting activities, he accumulated and built many firearms for himself and family. He also had an interest in restoring cars, including his favorite 1960 Bonneville convertible, which was featured in many parades and weddings.

He was always thankful for the medical support he had over the years in Rapid City. They were the reason he lived to 91. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; son, Steve; his parents and siblings, Jack and Bev. He is survived by his son, Terry (Becky), Piedmont; daughters, Bobbi (John Brown), Rapid City, and Leslie (Bob Warax), Tucson Ariz.; granddaughters, Amanda (Tom Ruddy), Dr. Erin Brown (Kyle Krause), Robin (Jordan Hoff), Emily (Matthew Ohl); and grandson, Dr. Colin Brown (Dr. Rocío Diaz); great-grandchildren, Alexis, Abagail, Ben, Molly and Sandy; and great-great grandson, Axel.

A Memorial has been established to benefit the South Dakota Lions Foundation.

Family visitation will be held at Kirk Funeral Home on Sunday, November 9th, from 2 to 4 p.m. A Memorial Service will be Monday, November 10th, at South Canyon Lutheran Church at 10 a.m., with Pastor Deb Grismer officiating. Interment will follow at the Bear Butte Cemetery. Kirk Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services

1051 E Minnesota Street ~ Rapid City, SD 57701 ~ (605) 343-4808