Robert Tresnit, 87, of Carson City, NV, passed away peacefully on November 9th, surrounded by family.
Bob was born August 9, 1936, to Helen and Joseph Tresnit in Ritzville, WA. His younger years were spent in Kellogg, ID and Wallula, WA until the family moved to Moscow, ID, where he attended junior high and high school, a member of the graduating class of 1954. Bob attended the University of Idaho, was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and made several lifelong friendships there, playing fast-pitch softball for four undefeated championship seasons (1955-1958) and graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After Bob graduated from the University of Idaho, he taught school in Deary, Idaho from 1959 1961. Bob was more than a teacher in Deary; he also coached the boys football and basketball teams and was a valued mentor to his students, who dedicated their 1961 yearbook in his honor.
In 1961, Bob moved to Carson City, NV, where he assisted in running Murdock’s Clothing Store for 23 years, a fruitful partnership outfitting the community for every season and occasion. These were years of great fun and energy – there was always something happening at Murdock’s. He continued to manage and play softball in various leagues throughout these years and began his tenure of 50 years on the chain gang for Carson High Football games, earning him a spot in the Carson High School Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
In 1966, Bob married Marlene Fagg in Carson City and they had one son, Travis, in 1969. Bob adored Travis, always talked about “my boy” and how proud he was of him.
One of the few lucky lottery winners to be issued a building permit for his parcel of land in Kings Beach, CA, Bob’s much loved cabin on the Old Brockway Golf Course, completed in 1981, was the site of many wonderful times spent with family and good food, good friends, and good fun.
In 1984, as a result of a broken leg that was never set correctly when he was young and several surgeries, Bob had to have his leg amputated. As a well-liked member of the community, the town of Carson City rallied behind Bob and held a fundraiser to help support the cost of his operation at Stanford University Medical Center. He received letters from Governor Mike O’Callaghan, Senator Paul Laxalt, and President Ronald Reagan commending his character and service and wishing him a full recovery.
After recuperating from his operation, Bob opened a Farmers Insurance office in 1985, and, in addition to writing policies, passed out countless pens and ice scrapers, until he retired in 2002.
It often felt like most everyone in town knew Bob, and he was almost certain to know of a family connection of yours if you talked to him for a moment. He endeared himself to almost everyone he met. Lovingly
referred to as Uncle Bob, Bobby T, Trez, Two Dogs, Rube, Reedy Bird, Razor Ruddock, or Buddy Lee, he loved his community and this city of Carson. He was a proud Nevadan who never missed a Nevada Day parade celebration in 62 years.
His life was rich with friends, and they were all special to him. Humble, hardworking, loyal, generous in spirit, a fabulous dancer with a quiet, sly sense of humor, Bob demanded a lot but gave a lot, and expected the same of you. He had integrity, honesty, a lack of pretension, and a sense of always doing right and being fair. A man of high regard and character, he loved his family fiercely, from his beloved sister Mary Ann and his mother Helen, to his brother Milan, his nieces Debbie and Lani, nephews Morey and Joe, cherished son Travis, daughter-in-law Julie, and adored granddaughter Sadie.
Bob will be missed by many. Another Carson City icon gone. There will be a celebration of his life held between 1pm and 5pm on November 19th at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King Street, Carson City, NV 89703. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob’s memory by reaching out to a family, friend, neighbor, or stranger with an act of kindness.