Robert "Bob" L. Sailor

Robert L. Sailor, age 71, and known to many as (Pudge), passed away December 2, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. He was born on July 24, 1952 in Devils Lake to Phyllis (Tufsrud) and Ray Sailor. He was raised in Rural Devils Lake all of his life, with five brothers and two sisters.

                On May 14, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Veronica (Shipley) Sailor at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lake. They built their life, raising three daughters, Tina, Tonya, and Teri whom he loved more than anything.

                At the age of 16, Robert became a heavy equipment operator, working for Strong’s Excavating in Devils Lake for many years. He was known for being one of the best operators in the area. Robert went on to work for Dean Black of Black Construction in Devils Lake running heavy equipment for over 30 years, until declining health forced him to retire.

                Robert’s true pride and joy was his children and grandchildren, actively participating in their lives. His grandsons were the boys he never had and was extremely supportive and close to them all. He would often say that he had a favorite granddaughter, (being his only granddaughter), they had a special relationship.

         He had a passion for animals, raising cattle and horses for many years. In his earlier years, he enjoyed trail rides with his family, taking his daughters to horse shows, and spending time with his family.  Until recently, he enjoyed his weekly trips to Lake Region Livestock Barn in Devils Lake. He also enjoyed his daily morning coffee at the White House Cafe with friends.

          He made some special friendships with those who cared for him in Dialysis. So much so, the nurses nicknamed him “the silver fox“. He was very proud of his long, silver hair (and that nickname). He often referred to himself as the silver fox to anyone that would listen, and he was never without his black comb for his hair.

                Robert is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Veronica of Devils Lake and daughters; Tina (Jon) Haugen of Menoken, ND, Tonya (Trevor) Sailor of Devils Lake and Teri (Troy) DeMarais of Devils Lake. Grandchildren; Wyatt (Aliyah) Hoyt, Laine (Jakenda) Hoyt, Dalton (Kailey) Baum, Zachary (Shentelle) Haugen, Colby Haugen, Brianna Champagne, and Braeden Crawford. Brothers; Jim (Julie) Sailor, Barry Sailor, Brian Sailor, all of Devils Lake, and Ray Sailor, Chicago Ill. Sisters; Marilyn Schall of Devils Lake and Margaret Liska of Hillsboro, ND, Sisters-In-Law, Mary Sailor, Jackie (Tim) Lee, and Micky Shipley, Brothers-In-Law; Gordy (Shirley) Shipley, Kirk Shipley, Dallas (Melissa) Shipley, George (Trudy) Shipley, and Pat (Mary) Shipley. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

                He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Phyllis Sailor, brother Gary Sailor, brother-in-law Pete Schall, mother-in-law Evelyn Olson, step father-in-law Leroy Olson, and father-in-law George Shipley Jr.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service and Time of Remembrance at 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with lunch to follow in St. Joseph Parish Center. Burial will be at a later date.