Robert Thomas Bak, 69, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2018 in Rapid City.

He was born on April 19, 1949 in Torrance, California to Oscar and Amy (Trimble) Bak.  He was raised in Redondo Beach, CA graduating from Aviation High School.  Shortly after high school he joined the US Navy.  He proudly served from 1967-1971 during the Vietnam War.

After his time in the US Navy, Robert worked in the HVAC business.  He owned TRN in Torrance, CA and even after moving to Lompoc, CA he would commute to Torrance 4 days a week just to keep the business going.  Robert worked for Lockheed Martin until 2013 when he retired.

Robert married Terri Watson in Santa Barbara County on August 12, 2006.  They moved to Rapid City, SD in 2014 where they have resided until his untimely passing.

He will be remembered as a gentle, kind, and compassionate man.  He was a fun guy who never lost a game of chess.  Robert had a way of teaching life lessons that really stuck.  But most importantly he laughed, loved, and showed his children and family that life is fun, wonderful, and beautiful.  Robert was a bright light and will forever be missed by all that knew him.

Robert is survived by his wife, Terri Bak; son, Creighton Bak; daughter, Mindy Bak; brother, Greg Bak; sister, Robin Warren; and several grandchildren that he thought of as his own.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.