Robert Howard Cheney

Lifelong resident of Estes Park, Bob Cheney, passed away December 5th, 2017. He was 85. Bob was born June 1, 1932 at the family homestead in Estes Park. He graduated from Estes Park High School in 1950. Bob went on to college, but was drafted into the Korean War in the fall of 1952. After serving his tour in Korea, he went back to college and graduated from Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University) with a degree in Agriculture.

Bob married Lois Warfield in October of 1958. Bob and Lois raised one daughter (Corinne Burke of Estes Park), and three sons (Reese of Eagle River, AK, Flint of Evergreen, CO, and Regan of League City, TX). Bob and Lois have seven grandchildren.

Bob and Lois built their present home in 1960, on his father’s homestead property on Fall River, and lived there until his passing. He moved less than 300 feet from the place where he was born.

While still in high school and college, Bob worked as a ranch hand at Stead’s Ranch. In 1963, he was employed by the Estes Park School District as supervisor of maintenance for many years. In 1976, Bob was hired on by the Upper Thompson Sanitation District as Plant Superintendent. He went on to become District General Manager, and retired in 1988. Throughout the years, Bob owned other businesses, such as selling firewood, operating a summer water line, delivering water, and opening and closing summer homes for seasonal residences. Bob and Lois owned Alpine Gift Shop on Elkhorn Avenue for 9 years.

Bob was active with the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as his boys went through the scouting program.

Bob spent 20 years on the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department. He was Fire Chief and a State-certified instructor in structural firefighting.

Bob enjoyed his status as a Master Gardener through CSU. He was an avid gardener. His other hobbies included woodworking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and cooking.

Memorial services will be Saturday, December 16 at 10:30 at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Avenue in Estes Park.

Donations can be made to the local Boy Scout Troop 8 or the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.