Robert “Bob” Kasik, 71, passed away peacefully at his home on July 31, 2026, after a life marked by adventure, curiosity, craftsmanship, resilience, and a deep love for his family and the New Mexico landscape he called home.

Born August 16, 1954, in Española, New Mexico, Bob was adventurous almost from the beginning. His mother affectionately referred to him as “Dennis the Menace,” an apt description for a boy whose curiosity and independent spirit frequently carried him off in search of his next adventure. That sense of exploration never really left him. Throughout his life, Bob was happiest when he was discovering something new, building something with his hands, or heading somewhere simply to see what he might find.

Bob was also a gifted athlete. He excelled in baseball and skiing, pursuits that reflected both his natural ability and his energetic, determined personality. He loved the outdoors and spent countless hours exploring the mountains and mesas of New Mexico. Among his favorite pursuits was searching for Native American pottery fragments and arrowheads, and over the years he made some remarkable finds that he treasured. Additionally, Bob was a remarkable Pool player and had a fondness for playing the guitar, a talent he passed down to his grandson, Joshua.

Some of Bob’s fondest early memories were made fishing, camping, and hunting with his father. When Bob became a father himself, he continued that tradition with his daughter, Ariya, taking her fishing and sharing with her the love of the outdoors that had been passed down to him. As his family grew, Bob continued sharing those experiences with his nieces and nephews and, later in life, with his grandson, Joshua. What began as time spent outdoors with his own father became a tradition Bob carried forward through generations of his family.

Bob proudly served in the United States Navy, an experience that further developed the independence, technical ability, and resourcefulness that would characterize much of his life. He later built a successful career at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he worked as a Project Manager and became known for his electrical and mechanical expertise, diligence, integrity, and ability to solve difficult problems.

His talents, however, extended far beyond his professional life. Bob was an exceptionally capable craftsman who could build, repair, restore, or figure out almost anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed working with his hands and took satisfaction in creating things that were both functional and enduring.

Bob’s adventurous nature followed him throughout adulthood; he approached life with a restless curiosity. He loved hiking and exploring the Southwest, particularly the rugged landscapes of Northern New Mexico. He enjoyed motorcycles and the freedom of the open road, traveling throughout the region and experiencing places not simply as destinations but as opportunities for discovery.

Bob also possessed a creative side. He and his beloved wife Diane enjoyed taking classes at Ghost Ranch and exploring artistic pursuits together. Their shared interests became another way for Bob to remain curious, creative, and engaged with the world around him. His creative spirit shone equally brightly in his work as a silversmith. Bob crafted silver and turquoise jewelry for the women in his family, gifts that will be cherished for generations.

The Cerro Grande Fire of 2000 brought enormous loss when Bob and Diane lost their Los Alamos home. Characteristically, Bob responded to devastation by rebuilding. Together they began again, their hearts ultimately led them to the Abiquiu area, which Bob affectionately called "Heaven on Earth" The experience reflected one of his defining qualities: when circumstances knocked him down, Bob found a way forward.

Bob loved good food and enjoyed cooking, particularly for the people he cared about. He valued friendship, conversation, humor, and the simple pleasure of spending time with those he loved. His faith also became an important source of meaning and reflection in his life.

Above all, Bob was very proud of his family. He is survived by his devoted spouse, Diane Kasik; his children, Ariya Fonda McGrory (Paul); Shannon Dawn Schumann and Jeffrey Sean Widle; sister Linda Marie Kasik; brother Randall Dean Kasik; nieces Melody Rexroth and Adeline Kasik; nephews Nick Rexroth, Johnathan Kasik, Jeremy Kasik (Hannah), and Elliot Ernesto Kasik; and grandson Joshua Steven Crosby, who affectionately knew him as “Grandbob.” Each relationship held special meaning for Bob, and those who knew him will remember his humor, loyalty, generosity, knowledge, and unmistakable sense of adventure.

Bob and Diane shared 30 years together, building a life filled with travel, creativity, motorcycles, the outdoors, challenges overcome, and many adventures. In their own words, they were married once in Mexico under the eyes of God, and once more many years later under the eyes of man.

Bob was the mischievous little boy, the athlete who excelled on the baseball field and ski slopes, the son who went fishing and hunting with his father, the father who carried those traditions forward, the sailor, the craftsman, the professional, the collector and explorer, the Uncle and Grandbob, the husband, and the friend.

Services celebrating Bob's life will begin with a Viewing and Ceremony Rivera Family Funeral Home on Thursday August 20, 2026, from 10:30am until 11:30am. Bob will then be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Angel Fire State Veteran's Cemetery at 2:00pm. 

Floral Tributes can be purchased by clicking the flower store link below, and monetary donations can be made directly to Mrs. Diane Kasik.

Bob lived with curiosity. He built things, explored places, collected treasures, overcame losses, and passed traditions from one generation to another. His life was one of adventure—and those who loved him will carry his stories, his traditions, and his adventurous spirit forward

The family of Mr. Kasik have entrusted the caring professionals at Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola to support them during this time. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all.