Robert P. Lane

Oct 5, 1947 -

Nov 21, 2023

Bob, 76, departed from his home headed for his next adventure earlier than expected, following a short illness, on Nov. 21, 2023.

He was born in Charleston, W, Va. to Luther and Lois Lane, and grew up in Logan, W. Va. He graduated from High School in 1966.

Bob enlisted in the US Air Force in 1967 and served through 1971 in Charleston, S.C. as a turbine engine mechanic.

After his service, he went to Vietnam as a civilian employee working on helicopters. In 1974, his daughter Lisa was born in Vietnam.

In April 1975, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska and started a career with Alaska Helicopters. He worked remotely during the construction of the Alaska Pipeline. He was employed by Arco in 1977 before the oil started flowing. Bob retired from BP in 2002 after 25 years working a week on – week off schedule at Prudhoe Bay. Bob was instrumental in developing the Safety program at Prudhoe Bay and was often called Captain Bob by his peers.

Bob met his wife, Nancy Budahl, at an arranged meeting courtesy of Nancy's aunt Shirley. They married on Sept. 27, 1980. Their son, Tyler, joined them on May 31, 1985. Lisa and some of her family immigrated from Vietnam in 1988. She was 15 years old at the time. The rest of the Budahl clan met Lisa for the first time at Christmas.

Bob was very active in Boy Scouts of America during Tyler's path to Eagle Scout. Bob achieved the Silver Beaver award from BSA. He was also a beloved member of the Building and Grounds committee at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for many years and enjoyed playing the part of Santa at the children's Christmas parties.

In 2006, Nancy decided that Bob needed a part time job, so he joined Princess Cruises as a luggage truck driver. He soon became a driver/guide, a job that was so suited to him. He loved sharing our wonderful state of Alaska with tourists. The company later was named Holland America Princess and he worked for them seasonally through 2023. The last few years he was a driver trainer and then moved to the Health and Safety Dept. The perk of the job was cruising. Bob and Nancy enjoyed 547 days on the seas on Princess ships visiting 6 continents. He made so many dear friends at HAP.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Bart Lane; and in-laws, Norma and Harris Budahl.

Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Budahl-Lane; daughter, Lisa (Thomas); son Tyler; grandsons, Andrew, Ben and Jordan Crandall; brother, Bill (Karen); nieces, Shauna (Jason) and Kristen (Joey); in-laws, Charles (Ellen), Alan (Connie), Monte (Tammy); nieces, Kaitlin (Rob), Molly, Alicia (Nate); nephew, Connor; great nieces/nephews, Isabella, Landon, Connor, Mason, Cohen, Brayden, Madeline, Bennett and Lakyn.

Memorials may be sent to Lutheran Social Services of Alaska Food Pantry, 1303 W 33rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503 in Bob Lane's name.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, Dec. 1, at 3:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 8427 Jewel Lake Road, Anchorage, Alaska.

The service can be streamed online at https:m.youtube.com/live/XsCf8BUnhkY?feature=share

RIP Captain Bob – To infinity and beyond with a Woodford Reserve.