OWED TO BOB MITCHELL—Carson Gardner, Summer 2017
Just found out Bob Mitchell went to heaven last fall.
Darndest thing, I won’t make it to Estes this summer at all.
Been golfing at Tiny Town for decades, as my energy’s slowed;
I’ve still got a free-game chit Bob’s smile once bestowed.
Never did use it, worth too much by a mile,
‘cause it reminds me of Bob’s twinkle and droll Mark-Twain style;
with the wit he’d dispense year by year, good as gold,
and the jokes he came up with that never grew old.
Bob’s way calls to mind a wise story I once heard
from a famous actor, Charles Laughton, came the good word
about a tour guide at Chartres Cathedral, in France, he knew well
from just two visits Laughton made there—decades apart so he’d tell.
Laughton’s second time the tour guide said, “Where’ve you been all these years!”
Laughton laughed his surprise to be remembered so clear. 
That guide grinned back, “I’ll guide you through now like decades ago,
but if you stay away this long again, don’t you know,
I’ll be dead—and they’ll give me a cathedral in heaven, fair-and-square.
So, if you’re good, I’ll be giving you the full tour up there!” 
I think Bob and that Chartres guide were cut from one cloth;
and I hope—like Bob—to avoid sins of pride, greed, hate, and sloth
so someday, at my time, I may rise to the source— 
and use my free game up in Glory, on Bob’s heavenly course!
_____________

Robert was a wonderful man and my family meet him at the Tiny town cabins years ago and enjoyed his minigolf course in Estes Park!! He'll be greatly by all the many people's lives he's touched! God bless your family and best wishes to you all!! Love,Kristina(Guffy)Weaver&family

Here it is Saturday October 29th, 2016, and something in my heart led me to check the obituaries of Estes Park and here I found the notice of our very close friend Bob Mitchell who had died.  My wife and I had built a friendship with Bob and Helen as well as Gary and Steve at the station over many years.  We stayed at Tiny Town Cottages for many many wonderful years.  We'd take Louisburg Root beer and fresh Kansas homegrown tomatoes out to them each year.  In turn they'd always have something to return to us, from wind chimes to a coffee mug to sweatshirts.  They were truly two of a kind and I know Bob was very lost without his Beloved Helen after she passed.  Bob was so upbeat even through it.  It was hard on him but yet he pressed on.  He was a living historical book of Estes Park and surrounding areas.  Many a night we watched and sometimes helped to close up the golf course along with his buddy Ray.  We heard many many wonderful stories from military times to family times, to people and history of Estes Park. We loved to play Miniature Golf there, in the cool evenings.  He took such care of that golf course.  Always replacing the greens,  lights on the windmill or alligator.  Always talking abut the mural his daughter painted on the 18th hole.  Bob was a humble genuine caring, loving, smart and wise individual.  He could fix things and keep things going.  Nothing really seemed to ""Shake this man up!""  He was a rock to many.  The man loved his KFC chicken and Root beer and homegrown tomatoes!!!!  In his final years he'd call us out of the blue to talk and see how we were because we didn't get out to Estes Park much in recent years.  I feel today he led me to this news of his passing.  I know he is with Helen and in a place where I hope to meet up with him again when this world ends.  May GOD Almighty comfort his children and may they hold on to the memories and appreciate the father they were given.  Helen and Bob are missed.  We have hummingbird wind chimes in our sunroom, every time they make a sound, we say ""Hello-Helen""----we will need to find and cherish something that connects us to Bob too.  It's sad that on this earth we have to say good bye to genuine friends, gentle loving souls.  We have been promised to see them again one day.  We will long and look forward to that day when it comes.  RIP Bob!  You are once again where Helen is.  You will be missed and are already.  To the family, we understand your sorrow and loss.  May the Lord continue to comfort and bless you all in the coming weeks, months and years as you all press onward too.  We truly love you all.

When I first heard about Mr. Mitchell's passing sadness came upon me but only for an instant for then I started remembering how special of a man he was.  I remember playing here since the 1970's while visiting the YMCA every year.  Our extended family would always have a contest to see who would come out with the lowest score.  Mr.  Mitchell spoke to all generations with love, understanding, and caring.  For the past fifteen years, my wife and I would bring our children here on every visit to the YMCA, at least twice. So many memories with our family, cousins, and Mr. Mitchell.  
Though someone or two would get a hole in one on the 19th hole every year, we never turned in the tickets.  Instead, we keep them at our home in California and use them to reflect on our times up in Estes.  It will not be the same for our family treks to Estes Park without seeing and conversing with Mr. Mitchell but he has touched my family and left a permanent mark in our hearts that will always bring a smile when reflect.
For his family, we are so sorry for your loss.  Truly a great man and great example of how someone can touch so many people.

Blessings,
Barry Brittingham

We golfed a round in 2012. When we told Bob we were from Lawrence, KS he said, ""that's were Quantril's raid was during the Civil War"" 
We talked a little more about it, surprised that he knew our little town in Kansas history. Got our free round ticket and declared it was the best round of mini golf we ever played. 
We still have that ticket. 
Just one family of thousands that Mr. Mitchell came into contact with in sixty years of helping families make vacation memories. Thank you.

I am so sorry for the loss of your father.  My kids grew up playing golf at Tiny Town and my grandkids have started mini golf there.  My wife and I were by there  Oct 22 and saw the sign.  I must admit I had a few tears.  I wish I had told your dad how much it meant to us to see him behind the window every year we came.  But I think he knew and we are just one family of many who have a place in our heart for him.

We were very saddened by the news and yet have so many memories. This man was a part of our lives for over 40 years. I can tell you that Bob was a gem, one of a kind. He loved what he did and we loved him for that. I truly could go on for hours about all the talks we had and golf games we played and the famous 19th hole. Bob made our Estes trip so special and could not wait to see him when we got there, it will not be the same. We are so blessed to have called you a great friend. So glad we made that 2nd trip this year in late September whats one more great memory. Thanks Bob!

Rick and Stacey 
Illinois

We have the most wonderful memories of Tiny Town golf every summer. We came from Texas and camped in the park.  Tiny Town was our nightly ritual. We always called Bob Mr. Tiny with great affection and respect. Thank you for the wonderful family times.

My families thoughts and prayers are with your family and the town of Estes. He was a legend, what a truly wonderful man. We have been going to Estes since before I was born and he is my first memory of Estes. Stopping at tiny town was our first and daily stop in Estes. Sometimes stopping a few times in a day. 

He was always so kind and gracious and happy. We'd always have a lovely conversation. When our trips would come to an end we'd pack up the car and go for one final game and chat before leaving town.

Mr. Mitchell was as much to Estes as the mountains themselves. He will be very much missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Estes, for us will never be the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our thoughts and prayers our with Bob's family. We have  known Bob for many years. Our kids remember playing golf and  Bob always gave them a Coke. Bob and my husband always had to share joke. He was a great man and will be missed. He was one of Bob's favorite customers in Estes.

Bob and Pat DeCicco
Greeley,Co
Coke salesman and delivery guy

What a great man.  My children grew up playing Gator Golf as we liked to call it.  We loved seeing Bob at the window, he loved the clarks nutcracker jay.  Wow we will really miss Bob, he was part of our family tradition at Gator Golf. Bryon Holmes

Mr. Mitchell and Tiny Town have been a part of my life since I was old enough to hold a golf club.  My sister and I, our mom and dad, our grandparents, and then my son, all enjoyed golfing at Tiny Town.  My grandma loved Bob's sweet peas and would bring a paper cup container full of them back to brighten our cabin table.  My dad loved to talk politics with him while we played golf, having solved the world's problems by the time we finished. Mr. Mitchell made all customers feel as if they were the reason that he was in business.  He was one of a kind -- a gentleman and a character!  Bless his soul and your family.  Becky (Bell) Cash, Las Vegas, NV (from Topeka, KS)

My heart is so saddened by the loss of Bob. I have been coming to Estes Park since 1978 (as a child) and I now continue to visit each summer with my children. Last summer when we got back in the car, after we played a round, Bob had spent a lot of time talking with us and my son started crying and said what a special person Bob is and he can't imagine Tiny Town without him. This last summer we were not up to visit because my Mom was battling cancer and could not take the altitude. She lost her battle on August 10 and my sister and I were in Estes September 29-October 2 (spreading mom's ashes) and I saw his van out front and I felt such emotion knowing how much people in our lives make such life changing difference. I know my life and my kids lives are FOREVER changed by Bob and we hope that we will continue to see your amazing family when we visit each summer. Sending prayers and peace to the Mitchell family and lots of love that was given to us.  Lifting you in daily prayer and truly celebrating a life lived with such passion and love for others.  Thank you for allowing us to be changed by your amazing Dad.

Sorry this posted so many times....I was waiting for it to post and resubmitted it SIX more times (I was hoping I could delete the extra ones) and I also apologize for the spell corrects that changed my wording.  I had filled it out on my phone and could not see the entire page.  Lifting you all up in prayer and celebrating an amazing life of Bob

We always enjoyed seeing Bob's smiling face when we visited Estes Park and played miniature golf at Tiny Town Golf.  He was always fun to visit with.  Our prayers are with you all.  Gary & Connie Gragg, Salina, KS

We started taking our children up to Estes Park to play miniature golf at Tiny Town many years ago.  Bob was always smiling, friendly and kindhearted making Tiny Town one of our favorite destinations.  We would drive up the canyon several times a year just so we could golf at Tiny Town.  We would always talk about the chipmunks and hummingbirds that he so kindly fed and watched over.  Almost every time we were golfing a chipmunk would run across the course making golfing such a delight.  He even told us how to make the hummingbird food because we talked to him about how much we liked the hummingbirds and how we wanted to lure them to our yard so we could enjoy them more often.  He made everyone who got a hole in one on the 19th hole feel extra special when he handed over the pen to put a name on the sheet of paper that would be overflowing by the end of the season. Bob made everyone feel like a friend instead of a customer.  Our children are now grown and just a couple of months ago we took our son, daughter in law and granddaughters with us up to Estes just so we could play mini golf and we even had two free game coupons from previous successes on the 19th hole.   Bob kindly helped our 2 year old granddaughter pick out a golf ball that she happily carried the whole course and put into every hole as we golfed.  We all had a wonderful time!  When we got to the 19th hole, Bob looked out the open door and watched as we all missed the hole,  none of us were even close that day.  We said maybe we will make it the next time we come up to golf and said goodbye.  Last Saturday the two of us trekked up the canyon just so we could play another round of golf before the cold weather sets in and we were so saddened when we drove by and Bob's van was parked in front of the entrance and his golf cart was out front with flowers on it.  We found someone in one of the stores to ask about Bob and they told us that he had passed away the night before.  When we told our children they were also saddened as we have all had so many happy, friendly encounters with Bob and he was always so cheerful and kind to all of us.  We have lots of memories of our children smiling and enjoying every round of golf and those big moments when each one of our children made a hole in one on the 19th hole.  We want to let Bob's family know  how much we will miss his endearing, warm demeanor and smile greeting us at Tiny Town.  Estes will never be the same for us as Bob was the main reason we made countless trips up the canyon for many years always looking forward to playing a round of golf at Tiny Town.  We are thankful that we had the opportunity to make his acquaintance and visit with him over the years.  We send our deepest sympathies to Bob's family along with our thoughts and prayers.  May God comfort you in the midst of your sorrow.

Lorrie and Greg Hulbert and family

Visiting Estes Park for the past 55+ years has always included several very memorable attractions. Elk, Old Fall River Road, Trail Ridge Road, great hiking, beautiful scenery  and last but not least playing miniature golf at Tiny Town and seeing Mr (Bob) Mitchell's smiling face. He was always such a congenial and caring person willing to share knowledge of Estes Park events over the years. 

On one occasion I asked Mr Mitchell if he remembered one of my favorite childhood Estes Park characters Phil ""Casey"" Martin who operated Caseys Train in downtown Estes. Mr Mitchell just laughed and disappeared into the back room of the golf office and reappeared carrying a cassette recorder. Hitting the play button the tape was playing the famous ""Caseys Speech"" that was given to the kids before every train ride that I hadn't heard for approximately 55 years. He smiled the entire time the tape was playing enjoying hearing it as much as I was. I now wish I had recorded what was played since it evidently meant as much to Mr Mitchell as it meant to me. 

Bob was an extraordinary person and will be missed greatly. It was nice being able to talk to him at length this past September about his life and family. I will definitely keep returning to the Estes area but will definitely miss this caring man! 

My deepest condolences to his family for their loss.

My husband and I started playing golf at Tiny Town when our children were young, in the 1970's.  Now they take their children there when they vacation in Estes.  We played a couple of rounds on September 21 and had a nice visit with Bob.  He said ""If my life were a line on paper, I would be about to the edge.""  He was always happy and congenial and we enjoyed seeing him almost every year.  We hope Tiny Town will continue to be in business, and send our condolences to all of Bob's family.  Dennis and Melva Burmaster, Salina, Kansas.

Our family first played at Tiny Town in 1959 when Bob's parents were running the business.  We have been back at least every 2 - 3 years since then --- and frequently more often --- including this past July.  A visit to Estes Park without a stop at Tiny Town would be like a day without sunshine.

We were happy for Bob's parents when they retired to AZ and happy for Bob when he took over the business.  We enjoyed jesting with him on every visit.  We laughed with him in July when he said, ""I'm a positive thinker.  The world is in a terrible mess and I'm positive it will get worse!""

It seems ominous now that he also said, ""This may be my last year.""  My wife and all 4 of our children, including Becky Browning who now lives in Estes Park and Mark Browning who lives in Lyons, will truly miss Bob's smiling face when we walk up to the window at Tiny Town (and we do hope his children will keep it going so we CAN continue to come there and play.)

God's blessings on all Bob's family and friends who will surely miss him --- for a little while.

Sincerely,

Rev. Gus Browning
Austin, TX

Tom and I and our family who have for forty years enjoyed golfing at Tiny Town and always loved that dear man, Bob, are so sad at his passing.  Even this year, our home exchange family from Spain who golfed there many times in August, write asking about the nice man at the golf course. Sadly we will report his passing. How fortunate that Estes Park, and you his family, will have such wonderful memories of the always smiling, Bob.  We will miss him:pensive:  Marilyn and Tom Maher and Family

Tiny Town Mini Golf was such a huge part of my childhood, and so much of that was because of Bob. I had hoped to bring my girlfriend by when I manage to bring her to Estes -- I hope that Tiny Town will continue to be run how Bob ran it, in his memory. He truly loved giving children the fun experience.

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bob.  He was such a nice man. My brother Ryan, sister Mandy and I used to help Bob with pruning the flower beds around the golf course during the summer months. Bob made sure we played a free round of golf and always gave us a soda for our help.  Ryan went on to help in the ice factory, as well.  I was up in Estes a year ago July and a large group of our family decided to go play a round of putt-putt.  I was absolutely amazed that he remembered me, my sister and my brother.  Bob was so impressed with my brother, he gave him a lifetime free pass to play golf. I will miss seeing his smiling face at the entrance to Tiny Town Miniature Golf, but I will continue to cherish the memories of Bob.  He instilled great work ethic and value in our lives, particularly the value of hard work and the enjoyment hard work can bring.  Sending prayers for peace and comfort in your time of sorrow.  

Sincerely, 
Heidi Linner, Norton, KS.

OBITUARY

Robert David Mitchell

26 January, 1928 – 1 October, 2016

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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