Robert J. Brightwell

Robert J. Brightwell, 84, passed away on March 21, 2026. He was born September 6, 1941, in California, and was a resident of Peyton, Colorado. Robert will be remembered as adventurous, beloved, brave, generous, humorous, and kind-hearted.

Robert was an Air Force brat and moved around between Air Force bases for most of his early life.

Robert joined the Army in 1960. After basic training, he was sent to Ft. Lewis, Washington, where he trained as a rotary wing repairman. Upon graduation, he was sent to Germany, followed by attending OCS in Georgia and upon graduation, he went to rotary wing flight training, followed by two tours in Vietnam as a combat pilot.

Robert met his wife, Paula, in Munich, Germany, while he was stationed there with the United States Army. They were married in September 1964 and remained devoted to one another until his passing.

He was passionate about flying, painting, drawing, creating, and building. The one thing that never wavered was his love for flying, and Robert gave up a car to belong to the Civil Air Patrol.

Robert was an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.

A true people person, Robert was funny, always had a smile, easy going, calm, and very slow to anger. His passion for flying remained a defining part of his life. He owned several private planes and enjoyed building kit cars.

Robert was preceded in death by an older sister, Janet Hermanson; an older brother, Ulmon Lee Brightwell, Jr.; and a younger brother, David Allen Brightwell. He is survived by a younger brother, Ronald Lee Brightwell; sister, Patricia Skoda; and Tim Brightwell.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, on April 1, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Graveside Service will be held at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925, on April 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm, where Robert will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Smile in honor of Robert J Brightwell.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Silver Heights Skilled Nursing Facility in Castle Rock. The staff, especially Hudson, Mae, Collene, Angi, Solomon, and many others, were wonderful.

“Robert was my husband for 61 years and his passing feels as though half of me was ripped away. He is my companion and life partner, I will miss him dearly until my end.”