Robert Lucas (Bob)

Robert (Bob) C. Lucas passed away at his home at The Springs on Feb 21, 2016. Robert was born Feb. 11, 1931 to Robert and Ella Lucas in Sioux Falls, SD.

He attended the University of Minnesota, receiving a doctorate degree in Geography. He also studied at the Free University in West Berlin, at the University of Chicago and at the University of Michigan.
Bob spent 30 years with the U.S. Forest Service, almost all as a research scientist before retiring in 1989. His research career was spent in recreation and wilderness management. His first study dealt with recreational use of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the Minnesota wilderness. In 1967, Bob moved to Missoula as Project Leader to launch a new wilderness management research unit. In 1984, he received the Department of Agriculture Award for Superior Service for "creative research that has led the way to scientific management of our nation's wilderness." Even in retirement, his involvement and enthusiasm for the responsible conservation of land and wildlife continued.

Bob met his life partner Grace on a blind date while home on leave from the Air Force in Sioux Falls, SD. He reconnected with her upon his return to South Dakota and fondly remembered finding her playing softball. Bob and Grace were married for 60 years. Bob was pleased to have had two daughters to add to his joy and loved them very much.

Bob's interests were vast and varied but hunting with close friends, grandsons and fine hunting dogs were as good as it could get. He also enjoyed being as exchange student in Germany, boasting that he took his finally exam in fluent German. Bob became a Quaker while in St. Paul Minnesota and valued his faith and fellow "Friends" greatly. Bob and Grace spent their retirement cherishing their family, traveling and finding great food wherever their travels took them.

Bob was preceded in death by Grace in 2014. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Ann Finnegan (Kevin), Jane Rabe (Mark), grandchildren Lucas Bateman, Evan Bateman (Richelle), Ross Rabe, Sean Rabe ( Christine), and Cassandra Rabe as well as his great-grandchildren, Jayce, Harper, Eloise and a new great- grandson due in July. Also missing him are his sister Laura Hoffman, sister-in law Evelyn Bauermeister, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank The Springs for the comfort, care and compassion they extended to Dad.

A celebration of Bob's life will be planned by family at a later time. Condolences and memories can be shared at cbsr@missoulafuneralhomes.com.


Read Robert (Bob) Lucas's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.