Robert Allen Roloff

Bob was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to Eric and Helen (Pfeifer) Roloff, a son of eleven children, growing up on a farm. Bob came to Arizona with an older sister, her husband and children in 1959. Bob enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1961, serving six years. He then returned to Arizona, but spent his summers back in Wisconsin bartending in Lake Geneva and Williams Bay, intently listening to those of influence! Winter months he was found bartending at Pinnacle Peak Patio, Scottsdale throughout the ‘70’s. Bob was a true “entertainer,” joining Guns for Hire, Inc. in 1969 staying involved with the group until 2017, reenacting the history of the old West. He later became known as the Arizona Duuude, a character he created in 2012. Bob put a lot of miles on traveling throughout Arizona as an ambassador for the state at parades, rodeos and other special events. He was a previous writer for the Wild West Gazette and in 2017 joined up with Arizona Real Country Magazine, authoring a monthly column from his interviews with folks of the past and others of influence, doing research, and often distributing the publication to rural communities. Bob was currently working as a driver with Groome Transport, shuttling folks back and forth from Prescott to Sky Harbor Airport. This was an excellent opportunity for him to share his knowledge of the old West!

Bob moved to Black Canyon City in 1988, and for 34 years could be found at the Rock Springs Café for his morning ritual of coffee and breakfast. The AZ Duuude held office hours there from 9 – 10:30 most mornings!

He was an avid reader, studying history at ASU and Phoenix College. He owned many, many books with several of them being autographed by the portrayed subject. He was a collector of western artifacts and a storyteller of the history of the American West.

Bob formed lasting friendships with many he met along the way. Now he is “gone with the wind” until he is seen again in the Land of Glory! He will be missed greatly here in the state of Arizona. So long Partner!