Robert Wesley Macgruder

June 5, 1932 – March 11, 2017

Robert Wesley MacGruder, 84, of Grand Junction, CO passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at HopeWest Hospice Care Center after a brief illness. He was born on June 5, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN to Robert D. MacGruder and Hester (Wooden) MacGruder-Brown. In 1939, the family moved to Denver where Bob graduated from South High School in 1951. He received a swimming scholarship to the University of Wyoming at Laramie, but when the Korean conflict began in 1952, he enlisted in the US Navy and served on the U.S.S. Stembel until he was honorably discharged on January 10, 1955. Bob then returned to Colorado and Michigan State Universities to continue his education.

Before retiring to Colorado, Bob resided in Waukegan, IL and was Executive Vice President of the Lake County Contractors Association from 1973 to 1996. From 1959 to 1973, he was President of the Chambers of Commerce in Waukegan, IL, Belvidere, IL and Laverne, MN.

Bob moved to Waukegan in 1966 and was active in Local and State affairs. He served as President and Campaign Chairman, Lake County United Way; Chairman, Waukegan Port District; Chairman, Waukegan Planning Commission; Vice Chairman, Lake County Economic Development Commission. He was for 14 years Secretary of the Waukegan Civil Service Commission.

His community awards include The Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds (1976), The “Brotherhood Award” from The B’nai Brith and numerous plaques and awards from the city, county, state, civic and government bodies. Bob was initiated into the Lake County Contractors Association “Hall of Fame” in the ‘Class of 2014’ and was honored by the Association with the creation of the Robert MacGruder award, whose first recipient was his friend, Carol Lord.

Bob was a loving and thoughtful husband and father, who will be mourned by his daughter, Valorie Nystrom, Winthrop Harbor, IL; sons, Greg Ramsey of Zion, IL and Jeff (Trina) Ramsey of Jefferson City, IA; and his sisters, Marilyn Barnewall, Palisade, CO, and Dede Hunter, Springdale, AR. Bob is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Bob touched a lot of lives. Special friends include Duane Wheatley, Wayne Brimer, Tony Vigil, Harold (Rita) Schafer, as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wives: JoAnn (Wheatley) (2016), Lea (Passwaters) (2005), and Marilyn (Leonard) (1973). Bob was also predeceased by his aforementioned parents, Robert D MacGruder (1976), Hester (Wooden) (2010), and step-father, Roy Brown (2011); along with his son, Robert W MacGruder Jr (2009), and son-in-law, David Nystrom (2004).

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary on 2515 Patterson Road. It will be followed by a celebration of life luncheon. Cremation was chosen; ashes will be scattered at Orchard Mesa at a private family ceremony. The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make donation in Bob’s name to HopeWest Hospice, 3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506. The family sincerely appreciates the loving care given their loved one over the past few weeks by HopeWest home and care center teams, especially Torrie, Jeff, and Brook.