Robert "Bob" Hess

Born on November 3, 1941, to Eleanor (Sherwood) Hess and Alfred Hess, Bob grew up in the small town of Canaseraga, New York where he spent his early years helping on a farm and working alongside his family. He learned the value of hard work early in life, a quality that stayed with him throughout his years.

Bob met the love of his life, Diane, while they were in high school. Bob played basketball and Diane was a cheerleader where they grew close riding the school bus together. After high school Bob worked for Kodak in Rochester, while Diane attended college in Alfred. The distance between them was too much for Bob, so he asked Diane to come live with him. Diane accepted and the two got married on October 13, 1962, in a little white church in Canaseraga, building a life around family, friendships and memories.

In 1971, Bob accepted a new position with Kodak at its Colorado plant, bringing them to Loveland. They settled in, built their home, and raised their three children, Kim, Cheri, and Bobby. Bob took great pride in his family and was very involved with his kids, especially in their 4-H club. Bob dedicated many years to his career with Kodak. He started out in the dark room in 1961 and retired as production supervisor in 1991. He was a hardworking man who took pride in what he did, but he also knew how to enjoy life outside of work.

Bob was a great athlete in high school playing baseball, basketball and soccer and remained active throughout his life. Later in life he was in a bowling league, golf league, euchre league, and would never say no to a good game of poker. Some would say the casinos were like a second home to Bob, but the luck that he carried with him was always bringing him home more than he started with. He also enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, and spending time at the family cabin. He especially enjoyed country life and raising chickens, which along with his skinny chicken-like legs, earned him the nickname “Chicken Bob.” It was a name that suited him and became part of the personality his family and friends knew so well.

Bob and Diane lived their retirement beautifully. Together they worked in the flea markets and traveled to Florida every march to visit family and spend time with the people they loved. Family gatherings, reunions, and time at the cabin created memories and traditions that continued through the years.

Above all, Bob loved his family, and he loved the Denver Broncos. The Hess children always knew that Sundays were for family and the Broncos. Anyone who knew Bob knew he had a personality all on his own. He was genuinely a good guy, a loyal friend, and a good neighbor who made others feel welcome. His social nature and love for a good time were a big part of what made him so memorable. Bob was proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he cherished the family they built together.

Losing Diane in 2025 was hard on Bob as she was the only woman he ever loved and he missed her terribly. After sharing more than six decades of marriage, their life together left behind countless memories and a legacy of love. Though Bob will be dearly missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is reunited with the love of his life.

He is survived by his children, Kim Shaw (Bill), Cheri Pimple (Gary) and Robert T. "Bobby" Hess (Devon); grandchildren Justin Shaw (Logan), Jessica Shaw, Tyler Pimple, Lexi Moorman (Mick), and Lee Carnahan (Danielle); and great-grandchildren Jaxson, Blakely, Benjamin, Gracelyn, Brynlea, Dawson and Bennett; as well as his sisters Treva and Sara, his brother Pete, and numerous nieces & nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Diane; his brothers Roger, Lew and John; his sister Lucy; and by his parents, Eleanor and Alfred.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 11am at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins. In his memory, please consider wearing Orange, Blue, or anything Denver Broncos. Please join his family and stay for a reception to follow for a time of fellowship, laughter, remembrance and one last meal with Bob.

For those that may not be able to attend services in person, Bob’s Celebration of Life will be viewable virtually via livestream here: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26108747338395

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Larimer County. Fond memories of Bob and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com