Robert L Lauriski

It was not unusual for “Bob” to shock his family, friends and fans on any given weekend throughout his illustrious basketball career, with his signature hook shot, his soft touch, his dedication and loyalty to his team, and his unselfish way of making the outcome of the game his responsibility, win or lose. The thrills and joy he created at any arena was deafening. The weekend of October 31,2014 he shocked us in a very different way. Bob Lauriski passed away from an apparent heart attack and handed us a loss to difficult to describe. Bob however won his final game as he ran victoriously to the other side slapping the hands of waiting loved ones lined up on each side of him and into the arms of his Heavenly Father. The joy and happiness must have been deafening.
He was born on September 27, 1951 in a small coal mining town, Dragerton, Utah. His parents, Ernest Regis Lauriski and Louise Waite Lauriski were small in stature, yet Bob grew to stand 6 feet 7 inches tall and became known around the world at that time as one of the, "finest basketball players to don the court." His size was a mystery but his ability to handle the basketball was not as it was not uncommon to find Bob in his parents small drive-way shooting on a make-shift basketball rim day or night, rain or shine. He loved to practice and practice was all there was as there were no little league programs for him to compete in his small town. In l965, things changed when his father was transferred to Raton, New Mexico. Basketball opportunities were not much better there so his Mother, determined to make the most of Bob's talent, moved him back to Utah where he became a standout player at Logan High School (l968-1969), was All-State and later named Mr. Basketball for the State of Utah in l969. He went on to play at Utah State University and finished his All American Aggie career with 1,266 points and 720 rebounds. He averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds a game and finished with 32 double figure rebound games, 31 double-doubles and 5 straight games in 1972 with double figure points and rebounds. He had some brief opportunities to play in the NBA but opted to play 13 seasons in Italy. In 2005, Lauriski and was named to USU’s All-Century Basketball Team.
La Dell Anderson, former USU coach and coach of the Utah Stars of the ABA, stated that “Lauriski was one of the finest ever to play the game. He had the ability to play the post position on the inside and switch to a forward, which is a rare quality.
The family support Robert enjoyed was unmatched with his unique Mom who had no problem managing him and with his love and trust in her the magic happened. No Mom ever loved a son the way Mom loved him and his sisters Valene Tueller and Dixie Coggins were totally fine with that because they loved him in the exact same way. No son ever loved a Mother the way he loved Mom. Rod Tueller was the “cog” in his world. He was his brother-in-law, (Valene) and his mentor, father-figure, and most of all coach molding him into the basketball player and man he became.

After finishing his basketball career, Bob excelled in several sales positions until he pursued his second calling in life as an outdoorsman, bird hunting with his favorite companions, his loving dogs. He also worked with former Logan High Teammate and former Aggie Basketball head coach Kohn Smith. They worked together tying flies and leading fishing expeditions for people around the world including several celebrities.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Louse Lauriski and his brother-in-law Raymond (Jerry) Coggins. Grandparents, several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his two sisters, Valene Tueller, Dixie Coggins, and his brother-in-law Rod Tueller. His cousin David Lauriski. Cherished nieces and nephews Tina (Larry) Comedena, Dana (Kim) Smith, Lisa (Scott) Harries,  Tann (Nancy) Tueller, Joni (Keith) Nelson, Juli (Aaron) Hadlock,
Deven (Paula) Coggins, Cristi (Jared) Kouf, Justin (Casie) Coggins, Dane (Joelene) Coggins, Cacede Cim Coggins. Uncles Tony and Adolf Lauriski. Robert loved his many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and close friends who were like family members.
God gave him many gifts and talents to share with the world, and He taught him hard lessons throughout his life as well. The humble manner in which he handled both should serve as an example of how a true champion lives his life. ‘Till We Meet Again, Sweet Brother."

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, Nov. 7 at Allen-Hall Mortuary Chapel, 34 East Center St. in Logan. A viewing will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday evening and from 10:30-11:30 AM prior to services at the mortuary. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .