Robert Dudich

Robert Paul Bob Dudich was born July 9, 1931 in Akron, Ohio and passed away March 27, 2011 after a long, hard battle with heart disease. His parents were Paul Dudich and Katherine Besenar Dudich who had immigrated as children with their parents to the United States from Ser bia. Bob was always proud of his Serbian heritage and spoke Serbian fluently. We was of the Serbian Oythodox faith.

Bob attended Akron schools where he was an outstanding athlete. He later attended Kent State before joining the Navy. He served abroad the U.S.S. Lew Hancock four years before being honorably discharged. He earned several commendations and one battle star.

Bob then went to work for the Daily Racing Form in the Los Angeles area. Eventually he was assigned to cover racing for the Form in New Mexico, a position he helf for 40 years. Upon his retirement from The Form, he was presented a spcially designed diamond ring along with their appreciation for the outstanding work he did.

Shortly after arriving to cover the races for the Racing Form in Ruidoso Downs, management came to him in a panic one day, as the races were due to start momentarily, the announcer didnt show up for work. They asked Bob if hed help out and announce the races, Bob did and never stopped for 28 years, never missing even one race in all those years, a record in the industry. He called over 30,000 races during that time. He also announced, at different times, at Sunland Park and the State Fair in Albuquerque.

Over time Bob became known as one of the best in the business and without equal calling Quarter Horse races. As one former jockey stated, Bob was the Best of the Best.

Through the years, Bob received numerous offers to announce at other larger tracks, mainly on the west coast, but he loved Ruidoso and his mountainside home. Up until two years ago he enjoyed his flowers and vegetable garden.

Bob had appeared in several movies and television ads. He was member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Beside many friends, Bob is survived by his son, Bobby Dudich and his wife Susan of Indianapolis, Indiana daughter, Laura Gregory and her husband Lynn of Fairfield, Indiana grandson, Jason Dudich and wife Abby and great grandaughter, Ella Holmes Dudich sister, Doris Clay of Ohio, brother, Paul Dudich of Diamond Bar, California several nieces and a nephew and great nieces and nephews whom he loved as dearly as they loved him.

As per Bobs wishes, he cremated remains will be scattered at a favorite site in Lincoln County. His favorite charities to which he was very generous included, Shriners Burn Institute, Lincoln County Humane Society and the Lincoln County Food Bank.

A memorial service is being planned for later in the summer.