Robert T. Kane

OREGON/MADISON-Robert T. Kane, age 56, passed away at home on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, with his loving family by his side. Rob lived life by his own terms. He was born on Oct. 25, 1960, in Milwaukee, the third child of Tom Kane and Sue Duggan. He studied Agronomy at UW-Madison and later returned to earn his Master's degree in Plant Breeding. Rob grew carrots for the USDA in collaboration with the University, on a mission to create the perfect carrot. After graduating from college, he moved to Caldwell, Idaho where he worked for a seed company and learned to fly. In the early 90's he worked as a charter pilot and flight instructor for Wisconsin Aviation. Rob married Christine Miess on July 18, 1992, in Madison. In September of 1998 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He defeated cancer, and later had two more children. Rob will forever be a cancer survivor. Rob worked hard every day of his life. He loved the feeling of a hard day of work and he was always in great shape. He swam every day, but his true passion was for biking. On summer days, he would disappear for hours and would lose himself in the rolling hills of the Wisconsin countryside, where he had some of his best thoughts. He liked to think and loved learning new things, a trait he encouraged in all his children. Rob was a caring, compassionate man. He was a role model to his children and their friends, and even other parents too. He was able to become friends with anyone after just one conversation and had a gift for knowing many people in a very personal way. He jumped at the chance to help others, especially if it was someone he hadn't met yet. He went out of his way to make other people happy. Although he was far too young, Rob was wise beyond his years. He had a unique view of the world and could always determine for himself the best way of doing something, whether it was planting carrots or raising his children. He loved the life he lived and the people he lived it with. In March of 2015, Rob was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Throughout the last years of his life he was thankful for every day and he never gave up. He continued working through his treatment and never once complained. He dedicated himself to beating the disease and his spirit and positive attitude were never defeated. He is an inspiration for many. Rob is survived by his mother, Sue; his wife, Chris and their five children: Robert, Hannah, Peter, Andrew and Estella, who he always said were his proudest accomplishments. He was preceded in death by his father, Tom on Dec. 15, 2006. A Memorial Mass will be held at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson St., Madison, at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, with Monsignor Kevin Holmes presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, and at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. The family appreciated the exceptional care from the nurses and doctors at St. Mary's Hospital, UW Health Carbone Cancer Center, Turville Bay Radiation Center, and SSM/Dean Oncology Clinic with a special thanks to Dr. James Heun. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society of Wisconsin, 200 S. Executive Dr., Suite 203, Brookfield, WI 53005. He will be missed by many and forgotten by none. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street