Roman B. Bukolt

Madison - Roman Blaise Bukolt, Age 76 passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 7 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Roman was born on September 19, 1935, the son of Roman and Anne Bukolt. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, and met Pat, his wife of 54 years.
Roman is survived by his sisters, Jeanne Bostad and Bonnie Bukolt, wife, Susan Vergeront, three children; Scott (Lisa) Bukolt, Susan (Steve) Schmaling, and Merry (Steve) Larsen, as well as five grandchildren; Dieter Bukolt, Derek Bukolt, Ally Schmaling, Claire Larsen and Sam Larsen.
Roman was preceded in death by his father, Roman in 1941, his mother, Anne in 2002, and his first wife Pat on May 6, 2012.
Roman was the guy who lit up a room just by walking through the door. He was an entrepreneur who built hundreds of architectural models for many prominent Madison area and national architects including one of the entire UW-Madison Campus. He founded Concept Models, a company that produced vintage scale radio controlled model aircraft kits sold worldwide. His always positive attitude was a constant inspiration for everyone he met. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, and an avid aviator who loved giving children the opportunity to fly in the EAA's Young Eagles program, he was a sailing instructor with a passion for sailing the blue waters of the great lakes, or the Caribbean sea, and a skier who served for years on the National Ski Patrol. He inspired his children and grandchildren to become avid sailors and his son and grandsons to be pilots as well. Roman spent his last few years with the love of his life, Susan travelling the world and making literally hundreds of deep, lasting friendships along the way. He will be missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on June 30th at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Waunakee. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Experimental Aircraft Association, the UW Carbone Cancer Research Center or Agrace Hospice Care.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up, the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, nor even eagle flew. And while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space...put out my hand, and touched the face of God
- John Gillespie Magee, Jr.