Robert F. Fobes

Our beloved father, Robert (Bob) Frederick Fobes, peacefully entered into the presence of his Savior, Jesus, on September 20, 2026. He lived a life completely poured out for the sake of the Gospel, leaving behind a legacy of intentional discipleship and lifelong service to the Kingdom of God.

While our hearts mourn the loss of his presence here on earth, we rejoice in knowing he is finally HOME with Jesus, hearing those beautiful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).

Bob’s lifelong ministry began in 1965 while attending Gordon College in Massachusetts, where he answered the call to make disciples by leading Bible studies with students from Harvard and MIT. This sparked a 60-year journey of walking alongside people and teaching them to follow Christ — a calling he fulfilled along with his treasured wife, Ruth.

Together, they spent decades investing in the next generation of believers through collegiate ministry with The Navigators at the University of New Hampshire, Penn State University, The Ohio State University and Colleges all throughout Massachusetts, including Amherst College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts (UMASS).

In 1984, Bob moved his family to the Navigator Headquarters in Colorado Springs, in order to partner with churches across multiple states, equipping them to foster deep, discipleship-focused church communities. He also expanded his reach to many churches through developing the Church Consultation Survey in partnership with Denver Seminary, initiating the Intentional Disciple making Church system, and formulating the monthly Church Disciple newsletter—tools that continue to impact how churches look at spiritual growth today. Alongside all of this, Bob (and Ruth) started a ministry among Air Force Academy Cadets, hosting weekly Bible studies on campus and opening their home as a haven. Their home was never empty. Bob used his life as a constant example of how to live for Jesus. Whether he was offering a listening ear to a struggling stranger or sharing a joyful laugh over a Sunday dinner, he always made those around him feel seen and valued.

Bob and Ruth returned to New England in 1998 where he served for nearly two decades as the Director of Church Discipleship Ministries (CDM) across New England and New York City. Even in his later years, his passion for making disciples of Christ never waned. From 2016 onward, he continued his vital work with Navigators Church Ministries in Florida, serving the Lord wholeheartedly until his final days.

Bob was a man who lived the Navigator motto: "To know Christ and to make Him known."

He took Proverbs 22:6 literally and trained his children in how to live their lives for Jesus day in and day out. As a husband, he loved his wife, Ruth, with a steadfast, Christ-like devotion, creating a home anchored in grace, laughter, and prayer. He was an intentional father who modeled integrity and kindness, teaching his children not just through his words, but through his daily actions. God blessed him with many grandchildren and a new great-granddaughter who brought immense joy to his later years. Spending time with them was always a priority and a blessing to him- whether sharing a quiet conversation, offering a word of wisdom, or simply enjoying their presence. He did not just preach the Gospel; he lived it out in the quiet everyday moments with those he loved most. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he personally guided toward a deeper relationship with Jesus, starting first and foremost within the walls of his own home.

Beyond his service, he and Ruth built a lasting legacy: a family culture entirely dedicated to a lifelong mission. They witnessed firsthand the deep discipleship, the enduring relationships formed, and the power of constant prayer. This immersive journey infused the Gospel into the very fabric of their lives and today, they stand as a multi-generational legacy of faith, love and service.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Fobes; his children, Wendy (Mark) Davidson, Andrew (Virginia) Fobes, and Amy (Rick) Ziuchkovski; his grandchildren, Sean Davidson, Daniel (Emily) Fobes, James (Indigo) Fobes, Abigail (Mason) Veselsky, Christina Ziuchkovski, Hannah Fobes, and Timothy Ziuchkovski; and his

great-granddaughter, Olive Fobes. He is also survived by his dear sister, Dorothy Tyler, along with several loving generations of nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and a beloved extended family on his wife's side.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in his honor to The Navigators.