Bob passed away on Friday, April 25, 2014
He was a vibrant, inspirational, passionate man with a twinkle in his eye, a big smile and warm heart. He loved to encourage people to do more than they thought they could. He utilized his time and talent in so many ways.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he became a Mechanical Engineer through the University of Wisconsin, Madison. There was never a question that he would want to be a mechanical engineer. He worked for Mercury Marine, designing outboard engines, stern drives and snowmobiles, for Chrysler Outboard, designing outboard engines, stern drives and snow runners, for Harley Davidson designing motorcycles, and for Chrysler Marine and Industrial redesigning Chrysler engines to be used in RV’s, irrigation systems and other industrial uses.
He taught engineering courses at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. At Moraine Park Technical College he taught snowmobile, motorcycle and lawn mower maintenance, auto maintenance for women, geometric tolerancing, strength of materials and CAD. He also taught a wood carving course.
He enjoyed Observed Trials Motorcycle riding, collecting and restoring classic 60’s Corvette’s and a ’66 Mustang, building and creating things with his hands, boating and travel. Hiking and photography drew them to Estes Park.
He met Laura, his wife of 46 years, also, his “favorite wife”, during a summer school class in Economics at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee right after she graduated from high school. They married 6 years later. They enjoyed a long, loving, successful marriage and were blessed with two lovely sons and three wonderful grandchildren.
Always a hands-on engineer, after the move to Estes Park in 2002, the couple completely remodeled and designed a lovely Estes Park log home through their own work.
Bob was able to follow his modeling and railroad passion here is Estes Park. He was elected President of the Estes Valley Model Railroaders Club and for the last 7 years he has been recognized for his excellent leadership to integrate and expand the club and its activities. He moved the club’s annual train show Rails in the Rockies toward the status of a premier event in Colorado. His efforts to encourage model railroading as a hobby for people of all ages were changing the hobby.
His survived by his wife, Laura, son Brian, Germantown, Wisconsin, son David, Santa Monica, California, sister Diane, Naples, Florida, daughter-in-law, Amy, 3 grandchildren, Riley, Nicolas and Thomas, numerous nieces, nephews and other family members along with many friends both here and abroad, plus special “daughter” Makenzie.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, June 29 in Estes Park.
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