Robert Bruce Damon, 84, died Friday, December 26, 2003 at a local nursing home in Rapid City.

He was born June 3, 1919, in Rapid City to Charles M. and Catharine Smith Damon. He lived in Newell until the age of 7, when he moved to Rapid City with his family. He was educated in Rapid City schools and graduated from Rapid City High School in 1938. Robert married Gretchen Ann Wiles at the First Presbyterian Church on April 12, 1952.

Robert opened Bob's Bike Shop in downtown Rapid City in the early 1940s. It was later relocated to the 12th Street area and renamed Damon's Bike Shop. Bob continued to serve customers until 1983. He was a long time member of the First Evangelical Free Church, and the Chess Correspondence League of America. He served as a volunteer at the Boys Club for many years. Although Robert was challenged with cerebral palsy all of his life, he will be fondly remembered for his positive attitude, sense of humor, and strong faith.

He is survived by his wife Gretchen Damon of Rapid City; sons Bruce Damon of Macao, China, Daniel Damon of Point Richmond, CA; and daughter Kristen of Dickinson, N.D. Two sisters, Mary Catharine of Redwood City, CA and Janet of Los Gatos CA; and 4 grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 3p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Campbell, Paula & Quinn Funeral Home in Rapid City. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2003, at the First Evangelical Free Church with Pastor David Greenhood officiating. Burial will be at the Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Rapid City.