Bob was born on July 13, 1934, in Tyler, TX, and grew up in Tulsa, OK. He moved to Boulder, CO in 1966 and passed away on October 26, 2024, at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family. Bob's early life was shaped by the creativity and dedication of his mother and grandmother, both devoted to education and the arts.
A proud graduate of Tulsa Central High School, once ranked among Time Magazine's top ten schools, Bob went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Oklahoma State University. He later obtained an MBA in Organizational Behavior, with a minor in Finance, from the University of Colorado.
Bob's career began with dedicated service in the U.S. military. He served six months in the Army on active duty, followed by five and a half years in the reserves, achieving the rank of captain. His professional journey then took him to American Airlines in Tulsa, where he worked on designing jet maintenance shop layouts and developing cost analysis systems.
Bob's ambition led him to Thiokol Chemical Company in Utah, where he contributed to the manufacturing of the first stage of the Minute Man Rocket.
Eventually, Bob moved to Boulder, CO, to join IBM, where he spent the next 25 years of his career in various roles before retiring.
In 1984, Bob took a leave of absence from IBM to teach business courses at Fisk University in Nashville, TN, through the Faculty Loan Program. After retiring, he continued serving his community, working with United Way, singing in local choirs, and as a long-standing member of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. Bob was a 32nd Degree Mason and an active member of Rotary International and Boulder County Optimists Clubs. Bob's love of poetry and reading called him to participate for almost 20 years in the "Read to Me" program at Sanchez and Ryan elementary schools in Lafayette.
Family was at the heart of Bob's life. He met the love of his life, Jeri, during high school, and together they raised three children, each of whom married and started families of their own. Bob was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren, living in Austin, TX; Denver, CO; and Auckland, NZ, as well as a delighted great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren in Austin, TX.
Bob's love for the outdoors, nature, and his zest for life were evident in his many hobbies. He cherished birdwatching, golfing, hunting, fishing, and cycling, with a special fondness for participating in RAGBRAI. His travels took him to all fifty states and most of Western Europe, and he embarked on a notable journey with the Semester at Sea program in the fall of 1985.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Jeri, and his children Mike (KC), Steve (Jenna Waters), and Jill (Kirk) Jenkins.
Bob will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Ann Orsinger (Erik Olson), Bryan (Caryn) Carruthers, Nat Carruthers (Erin Brady), Reece Jenkins (Yurie Hall), and Erin Jenkins (Cody Dodge), along with his five great-grandchildren.
Bob's legacy lives on in the memories of those he cherished and the values he instilled in all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, 7520 S Boulder Rd, Boulder, CO 80303. A celebration of his life will be announced and held in 2025.