Robert Michael Hernandez

Hernandez, Robert Michael, born in Lamar, Colorado on July 5, 1951 passed away from COVID-19 complications on November 6th in Fort Collins, CO. He was 69 years old. Robert was the first child of four born to Robert Alvaro Hernandez and Regina Reyes. A graduate of Lamar High School class of 1969, he earned an Associate Degree from Lamar Community College in 1972. He was a talented wrestler that competed at state levels and contended for medals. He was admitted to the wrestling program at the University of Colorado at Boulder where he studied physical education and benefited from the Migrant Action Program, a key equal opportunity initiative diversifying the flagship university of the state. In 1973, he met Debra M. Madrigal and in 1976, they married at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Boulder. He served as head custodian at Mapleton Elementary School (1976-79) and assumed a position in the maintenance department at Boulder Community Hospital in 1979 anticipating the birth of his son, Robert III. In 1983, he welcomed another son, Lawrence. He regaled in the home entertainment boom of the 1980s, building a vast VHS library and system of Dolby surround sound earning him the nickname, Captain Video. Upon retirement, he took pride in a manicured yard, bargain hunting, and attending regional wrestling tournaments as a spectator. He is fondly remembered as a family man with a video camera in his hand. He reveled in the rumbling of a motorcycle engine; sported a signature fedora and boasted an outgoing comedic flair. He is survived by his wife, (Debra), two sons (Robert and Lawrence), daughter-in-law (Margarita Acree), and one grandson (Lincoln Douglas Lyle), and two siblings (Esther and Andrew), who live in Southern Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rachael DelaRosa. Due to COVID-19, a memorial and reception will be held in the future.