Robert Lee Nylund

He was lovingly called Dad by his son; Mike, daughters: Cathy, Cindy, and Susan. Grandpa by his 14 grandkids, Great Grandpa by 23 great-grandkids and Great, Great Grandpa by 1 sweet little girl. Most importantly and lovingly he was called “Oh Bob” by his sweetheart and wife, Jean, of nearly 66 years. Bob was born to Fritz and Jennie (Nygren) Nylund at home in Nucla on December 30, 1934. He and his sister Betty (Gibbs of Arizona) were raised in the humble family home on 2rd park. Bob loved baseball, working with his dad on the farm, fishing, and being a kid. He graduated from Nucla High School in 1952.

Bob attended CU Boulder to pursue a degree in geology. He went to school and then would come home on breaks to work at the VCA doing all the “grunt’ work to help pay for his schooling. He worked there from 1951 until 1957.

In 1956 Bob married Annetta Jean Martin; - the beautiful love of his life. She is the daughter of John and Vina Sharp of Uravan, Colorado: Jean was also a graduate from the Nucla High School in the class of 1955. After they got married, they bought a camper-sized trailer so they could move back to Boulder and have Bob finish college. He graduated in 1957 with a degree in geology. Bob took his “first-official” job out of college to work for Continental Oil. The young couple began their whirl-wind life! They started out at Ponca City, Oklahoma where Bob did geology work. He trained and then was sent to Craig Colorado. This is where parenthood began for them. Bob loved kids! He loved being a dad and together Jean and Bob began their family.

Bob and Jean moved 22 times as he worked for Continental Oil. They lived in Montana, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Colorado. When they lived in Moab, Utah in 1959 Cathy (Goodman) was born. In 1961 they lived in Cortez, Colorado and Cindy (Nylund) and Susan (Saddoris) were born.

Bob loved his Swedish/Finnish ancestry that had always included family get-togethers at coffee-time and all holidays. His uncles and aunts lived a rocks throw away and family meant everything. He was close to his cousins growing up and always wanted that type of life-style. He wanted to move back to the Nucla area. He finally got his wish when they moved to Uravan in 1967. They moved in with John and Vina (Jean’s parents) until they could buy furniture and get into the company housing.

In the evenings Bob enjoyed trapping around the Uravan area where he trapped various animals to earn extra money. He also loved to play baseball at the Uravan Ball Park and later became a coach for the kids. Many weekends were spent in Nucla helping Fritz and Jennie on the farm, going to Telluride or other ghost town areas to dig bottles, and going camping or hunting. Bob and Jean lived in Uravan until 1974 when they bought the ranch on 1st park in Nucla. Bob loved his ranch! When Jean said, “The house isn’t much.” Bob’s reply was, “Really?” He was so excited to have the beautiful fields and to finally be living back in the country!

On the farm he grew alfalfa and hay to feed the cows that they raised. Together they raised a garden, had chickens, pigs, and any cash crop to help make extra money. He was always doing some sort of physical work!

Bob worked for Union Carbide as the Chief Geologist and received recognition for discovery of uranium around the west end of Colorado and into Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Bob also was the head of the exploration department of Union Carbide. He worked for them until 1981. That was when Bob and Jean began ranching full-time.

Bob and Jean loved to camp, creek fish, and travel. They loved road trips. They traveled all around the western states chasing after their grandchildren watching athletics! Bob loved athletics! They did fly to Annapolis Maryland to watch Bryce (Saddoris, grandson) graduate from the Naval Academy and to Hawaii to watch Danica (Jimez, granddaughter) get married. But..they didn’t enjoy flying since they enjoyed taking the back roads to see different places.

Bob was a family man. He would want to be remembered for loving baseball, wrestling, basketball, volleyball and watching his kids and grandkids run and play. He loved hunting, ranching, and loving Jean. He loved card games and joking with his kids and grandkids. He was a frugal man and wore his boots until they literally needed to be screwed together. He was a “keeper”. He kept things because “someday” he was sure he would need it. And he did! It seemed like he and his parents' houses have been being remodeled for the past 87 years! If he needed a bolt, screw, wire, nail, or part he had it! As stated in the beginning, Bob was a family man and his posterity will proudly go on in his name. His infectious smile, the twinkle in his eye, and hard working spirit will be remembered.

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Nylund of Nucla. Son, Mike Nylund and daughter-in-law, Sue. Grand daughters, Keltie and Sydney. Daughter Cathy Goodman and son-in-law Jim. Granddaughter Danica Jaminez, and great-grandson Elias Cole and great-granddaughter Sinora. Granddaughter Ada Morehouse and grandson-in-law Tony. Daughter, Cindy Nylund and companion Bob Engel. Granddaughter Jennifer and Chris Flaherty, and great-grandson Brady. Grandson Rob and Brandie McCabe, great-granddaughters Rylie and Kynnlie, and great-grandsons Jackson and Branson. Grandson Wade Garvey and great-granddaughter Mya. Granddaughter Jamie and Ryan Carothers and great granddaughter Callie. Daughter Susan Saddoris and son-in-law, Brad. Granddaughter Larin and Jake Campbell. Great granddaughter Kyra and great-grandson-in-law, Mason Adams. Great-great granddaughter Braelynn. Greatgrandsons Kodis and Keefer.

Granddaughter Danille and Jake Hoard. Great-granddaughter Tira, and great-grandson Harley.

Grandson Bryce and Jessica Saddoris. Great-granddaughters Reagan and Kendall. Grandson Bryar and Indy Saddoris Granddaughter Reisa and Louis Nolte. Great grandsons, Emmitt, Jaxson, and Owen, and

great-granddaughter Emory. Granddaughter Athea and Walter Johnson. Great-granddaughter Lilliam, and

great-grandsons Riddick and Nylund.

Bob was also loved by his sister Betty Gibbs and brother-in-law Vern. Sister-in-law Bette

Nicholls and brother-in-law Bill and sister-in-law Vickie Turner.

He has a multitude of nephews and nieces, and cousins. Blessed to have friends that are from

this community and beyond.

Bob, you were loved very much.