Robert N. Nash

Robert (Bob) N. Nash, 97, died January 29, 2018, peacefully at his home in Thompson Falls, Mont. He was born in Redfield, S.D., on June 23, 1920 to Hugh B. Nash and Mae (Smith) Nash. He graduated from Rapid City High School and then moved to California where he worked for Lockheed Aircraft building P-58s. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps three days before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Bob spent two of his service years as a tech sergeant overseas during WWII in England, France, Germany and Austria. His tour of service was over with the end of the war in 1945. After returning to Rapid City, Bob apprenticed and started laying brick; a talent he used and shared for the next 40 years.

Bob married Elisabeth (Betty) Wiest on August 29, 1948 in Rapid City, S.D. Together they built one of the first houses at the top of Canyon Lake Heights, where they enjoyed many large family gatherings. They were both bowling enthusiasts, enjoying many years as avid bowlers and bowling instructors. The couple were instrumental in the building and success of Meadowood Bowling Lanes and Lounge, which broke ground in 1959 in Rapid City. Bob and Betty were also blessed with two daughters from their union.

In 1975, Bob married Alice M. (DeMoff) Nash. The couple moved to Gillette, Wyo., and later to Trout Creek, Mont., eventually settling in Thompson Falls, Mont., in 2007.

Bob was a member of the American Bowling Congress for nearly eight decades. He had already been inducted into the South Dakota Bowler's Hall of Fame. And in 2009, with more than 70 years of bowling behind him, he was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame by the Montana USBC Association in recognition of his lifelong bowling accomplishments.

Bob was a member of the Elks for over 50 years and was a charter member of the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge where he enjoyed the company of many friends until his death.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Mae, both Betty and Alice, and his brothers Blaine and Hugh. He is survived by his two daughters, Lisa (Thomas) Rysavy of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Paula (Chris) Brinker of Rapid City, S.D.; five grandchildren, Beth (Levi) Pole of Sioux Falls, S.D., Merritt Rysavy and Luke Rysavy of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Cassandra (Tanner) Quinn of Rapid City, S.D., and Stacie Brinker of Rapid City, S.D.; three great-grandchildren, Aden, Camden and Emma Pole of Sioux Falls, S.D.; three stepsons, Bill Miller of California, Tony Dexter of Alabama, and Bruce Barnes, retired USMC Colonel of San Diego, Calif.; two step grandsons, Jeff Barnes of Yuma, Ariz., and Michael Barnes of Salt Lake City, Utah; four step great-granddaughters, many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as many friends in the Thompson Falls area including a very special caretaker and friend, Debra Potter.

A memorial was held Friday, February 2, at the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls. Military funeral honors will be held at the National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D., at a later date. Sunset Hills Funeral Home and Crematory in Thompson Falls is handling arrangements. Memorial gifts can be directed to the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge.