Robert William Herbert

Born on December 30, 1960, in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Bobby was the youngest child of James T. and Katie Herbert. As the baby of the family, he was a freckle-faced, flaxen-haired boy with a bright smile and a determination to keep up with his older siblings. His brothers and sister enjoyed having a little brother around, especially one they could beat at basketball, baseball, and just about every backyard game. But Bobby was patient. Before long, he grew bigger, stronger, and more athletic than the rest, eventually turning the tables and proving that the youngest can indeed have the last laugh.

Bobby moved to Denver, Colorado with his family in 1976, the same year the Broncos' famed Orange Crush defense carried the team to its first Super Bowl appearance. He was a huge fan of the Broncos, Rockies, and Avalanche from day 1 in Colorado. After high school, Bobby enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. The academic environment was a place where Bob’s intelligence could thrive, except he was much more interested in playing guitar, hanging out with his friends, and enjoying his first time on his own.

With his natural ability to connect with people, Bobby found his way into a career in sales and management. He spent many years at Herbert Motors in Longmont, working alongside his father, mother, and brothers in a variety of roles including vehicle sales, service management, and finance. He had a genuine interest in people and a gift for making others feel comfortable, traits that earned him many friendships and much success over the years.

More than anything, Bobby loved his family. He was a devoted father to his sons, Spencer and Jack, and a proud grandfather whose eyes lit up whenever he was with his grandchildren. Being called "Papa Bear" was one of his greatest joys. He especially cherished simple moments together, whether sharing a meal, exchanging stories, or driving Jack to and from the airport. Those car rides often became opportunities for conversation, connection, and laughter, and they were times Bobby treasured deeply.

Bobby was known for his humor, warmth, intelligence, and love of music. He spent countless hours playing guitar and singing, exploring new artists, reading about musicians, and sharing favorite songs and discoveries with family and friends.

He also maintained a lifelong reputation as an extraordinarily picky eater. Family members fondly remember Katie’s famous Sunday roast beef dinners, during which Bobby could spend more than ten minutes chewing a single bite before finally swallowing it. Left to his own devices, he would have happily subsisted on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hot dogs. Although his tastes broadened somewhat over the years, Bobby remained particular.

For more than two decades, Bobby faced significant health challenges, including Parkinson's syndrome, and severe foot and back injuries. This made it challenging to get around as much as he wished. Despite those difficulties, he remained appreciative of life's simple pleasures and the kindness of others. One of his favorite places was Bob's Diner in Louisville, where he became a familiar face. The staff welcomed him warmly and often helped with small tasks that had become difficult because of his condition. Bobby recognized those gestures as expressions of friendship and kindness, and he appreciated them deeply.

A significant source of pride in Bobby's life was his sobriety. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, he found community, purpose, and opportunities to help others. He celebrated 14 years of sobriety and generously shared his experience and encouragement with those walking a similar path.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, James T. and Katie Herbert, and his brother, Mike Herbert.

He is survived by his sons, Spencer and Athena Herbert, and Jack and Sierra Herbert; his grandchildren Christian, Zoey, Joseph, Damian, Lucy, Lilly, and Amelia Herbert; his brothers Jim Herbert and wife Laurie, and Tim Herbert; his sister Mary Kay Parker and husband Bob; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Bobby will be remembered for his quick smile, easy conversation, love of music, devotion to family, and ability to find friendship wherever he went. He brought laughter, warmth, and authenticity to the lives of those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

His family finds comfort knowing that Bobby is at peace now.

He is surrounded by love and will live on in our hearts.