Robert McMullinRobert "Bob" Ernest McMullin Jr, 68, was born on Tuesday, May 25, 1948, in Kansas City, Mo. Bob passed away peacefully early on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 after a brief, courageous battle with brain cancer.Bob grew up in Belleville, Illinois. He moved to New Mexico in 1977 from Colorado where he became interested in photography as a hobby. After moving to New Mexico he began having his photos published and he attended the University of New Mexico for classes in photography and journalism. Bob fell in love with New Mexico since he first visited here in 1974. He vowed to return and when he finally moved here he was enchanted by our spectacular scenery and wide open spaces and clean turquoise skies. He especially loved the mountains of New Mexico and spent a great deal of time exploring and camping in them. He learned to ski at the Sandia's and was employed there as a ski lift operator for several years. He was one of the first pioneers here for skiing with only one limb. (leg)Bob honed his passion for landscape photography while living here the past 40 years and worked at various jobs including the chief photographer at the Los Alamos Monitor newspaper.He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. McMullin, Sr. and Dorothy Mary nee McEvilly, McMullin of Belleville and his beloved canine Mounte.Surviving are his sister, Janie Freeland of Belleville, Ill. His best friend, companion and soul mate Olivia Tafoya whom he called his "Angel" also survives him as does his special friend from Glendale Calif., Sally Currie and her two sons, David and Steve.His survivors want to give a very special word of gratitude to Bob's generous and loving caregivers, Holly Scott and Sydney Chavez for their compassionate care and friendship for the last two and a half years.Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, Ill. Funeral: A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at the church.KURRUS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.