Robert Arthur Ruyle

Robert Arthur Ruyle, known to all as Bob, died peacefully at home on July 27, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 89 years young. Bob was born in Greeley and a proud resident of what he called “the center of the universe.” He graduated from Greeley Central High in 1953, where he played on the State Championship basketball and tennis teams. He attended the University of Northern Colorado and earned his law degree in 1959 from the University of Colorado, Boulder where he became a lifelong and avid Buff. Bob was generous with his community, active and fun to be around. To paraphrase nearly everyone, “when I grow up, I want to be like Bob.”

Bob served as a member of the Greeley Water Board from 1975 until 2021 and, thereafter, as an emeritus member. Over the years he also served as a director and/or board member for numerous local organizations including the Greeley Chamber of Commerce, Greeley Industrial Development Foundation, Northern Colorado Foundation, North Colorado Medical Center Foundation, Longs Peak Council of the Boy Scouts of America (which honored him as a distinguished citizen in 1997), Mountain Prairie Council of the Girl Scouts of America, University of Colorado Foundation, University of Colorado School of Law (Alumni Board) and University of Colorado Presidents Leadership Class. He was a founder of the Union Colony Bank of Greeley. Bob was a member of the Greeley Country Club, Colorado Arlberg Club, Beebe Draw Gun Club, and the First Congregational Church.

Bob’s profession was law. He started his career in private practice with his father-in-law and early mentor David J. Miller. His career took a dramatic turn when he joined Hensel-Phelps Construction Company as its first Vice President & General Counsel. At Hensel-Phelps he became one of the leading lawyers in construction and water law. So much so, that he became the first lawyer to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Associated General Contractors of America. In that capacity he served as the chairperson of the Corp of Engineers, Heavy and Industrial Division and Water Resources Committees. In 1991the University of Colorado bestowed upon him a Distinguished Achievement Award as an Executive in Industry. After his retirement from Hensel-Phelps in 1992 he returned to solo practice, helping his friends, relatives, and his community. His Hensel-Phelps family remained dear to his heart.

Every day of his life, Bob was active. He fished, golfed, hunted, skied, biked, hiked, traveled, or just puttered around. Although law was his profession, fishing was his passion. He pursued that passion all over the world, including in Alaska, British Columbia, Mexico, the Bahamas, Patagonia, Russia, Bhutan, and New Zealand. Bob shared that passion with many lifelong friends and several generations of his family. He also loved skiing and was still on the slopes during the 2023-24 ski season!

In typical Bob fashion, he never stopped living each day, learning, trying new things and expanding his diverse circle of friends. His superpower was making significant human connections. He was a loving devoted husband, father, and grandfather (not only to his own but also others), a fiercely loyal friend, a good and thoughtful neighbor and a champion of the arts and artists. He was strong-willed, occasionally stubborn, and gave freely of his opinions, sometimes without being asked. He could disagree, without being disagreeable. His sly sense of humor served him well and made him a fabulous storyteller. In short, he was fun and interesting to be around.

Bob is predeceased by his beloved wife Lydia Miller Ruyle, and his parents Dorothy and Marion Ruyle. He leaves behind three children Dr. Stephen Ruyle (wife Dr. Stephanie Zacharer Ruyle), Dr. Margaret Rukstalis (husband Dr. Daniel Rukstalis) and Robin Struve (husband Keith Struve), six grandchildren (Bridger and Remington Ruyle, Mae and Leeden Rukstalis, Allee Struve and Katie Struve Binswanger (husband Zach)), his brother Gary Ruyle, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his long-time companion Linda Cox of Platteville.

A celebration of his life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Greeley at 1pm on November 2, 2024, followed by a private event at his “2nd home” The Greeley Country Club.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks in lieu of flowers that you “Be like Bob” and consider making a generous donation to the Weld Community Foundation (Give Now - Weld Community Foundation). the University of Colorado-Ruyle Family Presidents Leadership Class Scholarship Fund (Ruyle Family Presidents Leadership Class Scholarship Fund | CU Boulder | Giving to CU), the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Studies Program, or another charity that fulfills your passion or gives back to your community.