Robert Ross Dern

Robert Ross Dern, affectionately known as “Cowboy Bob,” aged 95, passed away peacefully on June 17th. He was born on September 10, 1929, in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he spent his days exploring land near the Garden of the Gods, helping in his father’s store, fishing, hiking, backpacking, hunting, and riding his horses. His love for the outdoors became one of his lifelong passions.

Bob attended the Southern Arizona School for Boys in 1947 and went on to graduate from Colorado College in 1951 with a BS in Geology. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. In addition to his formal education, his principles and moral code were built during his countless summers spent at Cheley Colorado Camps, both as a camper and a counselor. He worked hard, played hard, and always believed in making the most of life’s adventures.

Soon after college, he joined the Carter Oil Company, later known as Exxon, and proudly worked for them throughout his 34-year career as a petroleum geologist.

The greatest adventure of Bob’s life began when he met Ellen Lindsay, an instant connection that would shape both of their lives. They married on June 10, 1951, in Decatur, Illinois. Together built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and their shared appreciation for the outdoors. Bob and Ellen raised five children while living throughout the Rocky Mountain states. They treasured their years exploring the mountains, serving their communities, and contributing to the towns they called home. Eventually, they retired together in Estes Park where their hearts always belonged.

Bob loved singing in the church choir. He also took part in several musicals with the Estes Park Fine Arts Guild, where he not only performed but also helped build many of the sets for their productions. The theater brought him immense joy and allowed him to share his humor, creativity, and sense of community.

Bob was a member and held leadership positions in The John Austin Cheley Foundation, The Rocky Mountain Nature Association, The Rocky Mountain National Park Association and The Optimist Club.

His passion for supporting young people continued through his 10 years of work with the Cheley Children’s Hospital Burn Camp. Later in life, he returned to the Cheley staff, as Director of the Fishing Program. A role that perfectly combined his love of the mountains and mentoring campers.

His legacy is one of hard work, sacrifice, dedication to family, and his commitment to service. Nothing made him happier than to be in nature, fishing, and campfires. He was always ready with a firm handshake and humming a show tune.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Jane Dern, sisters Martha and Elizabeth, his wife, Ellen, and grandson, Adam.

He is survived by his brother Dixon Dern and his five children: Ann (Paul) Rudge, Jane Dern, Robert (Cathy) Dern Jr., Martha Moffitt, and William (Deanna) Dern. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer (Kyle) Germer, Michael (Robyn) Rudge, Christine Dern, Marissa (Kevin) Foster, Daniel (Jessi) Moffitt, Lindsay (Rob) Naughton, Laresa Dern, Autumn (John) Matsutani, and Emma Dern; and his great-grandchildren: Hadley, Presley, Dylan, Ryan, Cole, Asher, Andrea, Nina, Morgan, Remy, Hazel, Easton, and Baker; as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Estes Valley Memorial Gardens in Estes Park, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to A Thousand Summers, The John Austin Cheley Foundation. athousandsummers.org