Robert "Bob" Tracy Barnet

Robert "Bob" Tracy Barnet, age 76, of Fort Collins, Colorado passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Bob was borne the son of Robert Burton Barnet and Marsolin Natalie Barnet on July 9,1945 in Inglewood, CA. He is survived by Dee Barnet, his wife of 53 years, daughter Lynnette Strauser, Sons Kenneth Barnet (Cara Keirnes) and Bradley Barnet, brothers Gregory Barnet and Russell Barnet, sister Diane Toma (George Toma),granddaughter Amanda Strauser, and grandson Samuel Strauser.

Bob passed having lived a full and active life that included honor, integrity, and duty. His younger years in California were filled with many antics shaped by both his strong will and sense of adventure. He was known to have led the way to trouble when he convinced his brother to fly, like Superman, off the the garage roof with nothing but a sheet as a cape...mom and dad came around the corner in time to witness their son injured enough to need medical attention. This may have happened the other way around around because both brothers were capable of it. His mother worked hard to rein in her son's strong sense of independence even literally having to put a harness on him while shopping at the market.

Sports were a large part of Bob's high school experience and he excelled in those areas. He lettered in football and was a pitcher for the baseball team. He loved to tell the story of how he played for the famed football coach John Madden while playing for the San Luis Obispo High School football team. He was quick to make people aware that Madden wasn't famous at that time, as it was his first ever-coaching job, and he did not stay coaching at the school very long. It still made Bob very happy to have had that experience. Bob was also dedicated in his pitching which took a toll on his elbow, and yet, he wouldn't change a thing. Bob learned his strong work ethic. He would start his days going to work sweeping the floors at his dad's car dealership before going to school. His children certainly knew this fact as he liked to remind them that in high school he started his day at 4 am.

Marci, Bob's mother, reminisced to her grandchildren that their dad had always been methodical and detailed. She told stories of how his dresser always had to be very tidy and he even rolled hos socks and organized them by color from a very young age. Each night Bob would have to line all his cars up straight and perfect before getting into bed. She said he was born for the military and the military did not make him that way. It is then no surprise that he passionately pursued the military when he graduated high school.

Military service was a rich family tradition with both his father and his uncle Ken having been pilots in the Army Air Corps. His uncle, Captain Kenneth Barnet, flew as copilot for 30 missions over France and Germany. His dad, 1st Lt Robert B Barnet, piloted the P47 Thunderbolt in the CBI Theater. Without having the extremely keen eyesight it takes to enter flight school, Bob set his sights on his next best option-jump out of perfectly good airplanes with the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army.

Bob met his wife in Germany. Dee was a teacher on the Army base and he was running the Officers Club. As the story goes, Bob was making a beeline to her table to talk to the "hot blond" and Dee was panicking. She thought for sure she and her friends were about to be kicked out because they had snuck in and they were not officers. Bob and Dee were married December 21, 1967 in a military ceremony and honeymooned on the Alps.

Bob was a lifelong learner, teacher, and mentor using his talents and skills to build businesses that not only garnered him recognition and awards in his industry, but also earned him the respect of his family, friends, and peers. Bob and Dee travelled the world on trips he earned for his company being a top modular and mobile home dealer for a three-state region. They went to Rome, Tahiti, Monaco, and Puerto Rico to name a few. From 1978-1985 Bob had upwards of 85 employees directly and several hundred more when sub-contractors and suppliers were considered. In addition to four major sales centers and two housing subdivisions, the company expanded to include manufacturing which allowed his business to offer products not available from other sources.

Bob's business dealings in the housing and construction market included affordable options for homebuyers. His innovative spirit led to award-winning projects that were energy friendly and provided superior durability. He shared some of these ventures with his adult children allowing him to lead and teach them first-hand success and business savvy. In his semi-retirement Bob continued his service with programs designed to keep people in their homes through hard times.

There was nothing more important to Bob than his family. His professional pursuits were how he provided for his family. He made the most of his off-work hours with the help of his wife. There were many times his family picked him up from work in order to squeeze in extra time camping at the lake. This of course meant extra work for his wife, and she didn't mind except for the fact she had to drive the big, huge motorhome down to pick him up! His son Ken's fondest memories were of a motorcycle trip that he took with his dad. Boy Scouts was huge for both sons and Bob was there for all the major campouts. Lynnette remembers exactly what she was wearing when her dad took her to see the movie The Natural on his motorcycle because baseball was their shared love. Brad cherished his father and his deep involvement in his life.

The love Bob had for his country and those who gave so much to defend it showed in his very active participation in VFW Post 1781 and the Rocky Mountain 82nd Airborne Association. He served in multiple positions in both organizations. It is unclear to his family whether or not Bob was a self-appointed historian, yet historian he was. Deemed by many as "Airborne Bob" he spent immense amounts of time documenting military engagements and compiling photographs that will be available for future generations.

His latest passion was his motorcycle. This in no way replaced his previous passions as it was really just the next baby step toward retirement. It really seemed he would never retire. He cherished his time riding with his friends both military and non-military.

Bob had a sense of duty to his country and unyielding patriotism. He spent time studying the Constitution and informing people of our country's history. He worked tirelessly with a large group of people in Colorado and across the nation to build a better future for our country. One such person summed it up well when offering condolences. "He was a great man and a patriot!!! He knew the Constitution and our rights and what was right! His wisdom and knowledge will be sorely missed."

It is very hard to believe we are saying goodbye to Bob. In October he was preparing for parades, riding his motorcycle, and caring for his wife and home. His passing is sudden and unexpected. He spent three weeks in the hospital and his passing still feels very sudden. Bob had no intention of dying. His full intention was to fight to get well and go home to care for his wife. Bob lifted the spirits of the tired medical staff when he wrote notes that included, "Still fighting." "Not giving up." and "Better to win."

His doctor relayed he was sharp as a tack and had fought well past when others in his condition had been able to.

His last command to his family was to, "Enjoy your life!"

A funeral service for Bob will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM with reception to follow at Olinger Crown Hill, Chapel of Peace. A memorial committal service will occur Friday, November 19, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CrownHillFuneral.com for the Barnet family.