Robert "Bob" David Varick, 74, of Hot Springs, SD, died January 18, 2022.

Bob was born to Helen (Fitzner) Bennett and Robert Clair Varick on July 4, 1947.  He was a hard worker, starting his first job delivering newspapers when he was 9 years old.  He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America.  He played football at Hot Springs High School, graduating in 1965.  He began work at Homestake Mining Company in Lead, SD before being drafted into the Army in 1967.  He achieved sharpshooter status and was stationed in Germany where he worked programming and repairing Pershing ballistic missiles.  In 1968, he married his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Marilyn (Kommes) Varick.

Following his military service Bob returned to work at Homestake, where he worked for over 30 years. He loved working at the mine, where he met many lifelong friends. "Bobby Pureheart" was proud of his crew's safety record, his work training mine rescue teams, and to have stood on every level of the mine.

Bob had an engineering mind and enjoyed inventing innovative solutions to problems in both his career and his home life. He could fix anything.  His life-long passion was fishing, and he spent many happy days with his friends at his 'fishing shack' on the Oahe Reservoir.  Bob loved his family and played an involved and much appreciated role in the lives of his two daughters, Nancy, and Valoree.

Bob is survived by his mother, Helen Bennett; his wife, Marilyn Varick; his daughters, Nancy (Scott Deane) Varick, and Valoree (Garrett Fry) Varick; brothers, Larry (Pat) Varick, Mike (Linda) Varick; his sisters, Debbie (Art) Crawford, and Nancy Jane (Sue Ganje) Varick; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert C. Varick; and his brother, Casey Varick.

Though he endured years of physical discomfort related to mining accidents and post-polio syndrome, he always said he was grateful for everything he was able to do in his life.  Tears turn to laughter as we reminisce about a unique and adventurous character who influenced so many.

In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, we invite you to share pictures and memories of Bob.  We express our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends and family for their kindness and support.  We are sincerely grateful to the staff of the Hot Springs VA Medical Center, Fall River Health Services, Seven Sisters Living Center, and Stillwater Hospice.  Your efforts to make his final days as safe and comfortable as possible meant so much to him, and to us.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.