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Bob was a passionate Christian who followed his heart and love for the Lord during his time on Earth. He loved all his life experiences. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would figure it out. As a high school student, he played on two championship football teams and received a football scholarship. He was a great wrestler, and as someone put it, “he always got back on top.” The caption on his senior yearbook picture was, “To be a lawyer, make a lot of money … and maybe, just maybe get married.” He did the last one first and found other endeavors to focus on.
Bob’s book collection was top notch as he loved to read and learn. Bob never met a stranger, engaging everyone and became fast friends with many people in his life. Being outdoors was a passion and he would walk miles up and down a stream to fish. Pack trips into the Thorofare to hunt and fish were always eventful and led to many laughs and much storytelling with friends and family. Bob loved woodworking and wood turning. His work was beautiful and perfect.
Bob started at the University of Wyoming in 1983, earning his B.S. in finance. Jobs were scarce in Wyoming after graduation, so the family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked for Valley Bank of Nevada and Bank of America. As the banking world began to change, Bob became a banking consultant, which allowed him to travel all over the United States, Central America, and Canada.
Bob was always involved in Gianna and Brandon’s activities. He worked with Gianna in her swimming and coached Brandon’s baseball teams. Bob coached baseball for many years, starting at age 20. His goal was to make a difference for the kids and influence their growing years.
Bob’s truck accident in 2014 resulted in paralysis. Being in a wheelchair never slowed him down and he was fortunate, being able to participate in many activities.
Bob’s love of politics kept him diligent in research, speeches, and engaging our representatives and governor. He always had the best interests of his children and grandchildren at heart.
Loved ones who will miss Bob until they meet again are his wife of 52 years, Brenda; daughter and son-in-law Gianna and Andrew Miller; son and daughter-in-law Brandon and Kimberly Ruckman; grandchildren, Daniel Miller, John Miller, Grace Bodnar and husband Bryan, Sarah Miller, Benjamin Ruckman and Kailyn Ruckman. He is also survived by his sister Thea (Dallas) Bennett and brother David (Audrey) Ruckman. Until we see you again, we love you and miss you.
Memorial services will be on Jan. 8, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Grace Point Church in Powell. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Wyoming Disabled Hunters, P.O. Box 2232, Cody, WY 82414, or a charity of your choice in Bob’s name.
