Robert B. Simon MD

Robert B. Simon, M.D. lived a long, purposeful, and deeply fulfilling life. For more than six decades, he was one of Colorado’s most beloved family physicians, a steady, reassuring presence who cared for generations of families with skill, devotion, and a gentle heart. His practice grew into one of the largest in the state, but what mattered most to him were the people behind every chart, every phone call, and every exam room door.

Born and raised in Alva, Oklahoma, dad carried forward the legacy of his father, a country doctor whose resourcefulness and compassion shaped his own calling. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma Medical School and completing his residency at Presbyterian Hospital in Denver, he opened his Family Practice in downtown Arvada in 1960. From the very beginning, he embraced the full breadth of medicine - delivering babies, treating illnesses and injuries, comforting the sick and frightened, and caring for anyone who needed him, at any hour. Dad was resourceful and versatile, he quickly learned the skills needed to care for any person in any condition.

He worked long days in the office, extended evenings at the clinic, and long nights on call. He made house calls, tended to patients on weekends and holidays, and even built an exam room in his home so he could care for people during “off-hours.” Through it all, he carried himself with humility, generosity, and grace. His professional demeanor, gentle kindness, and quick wit made him not only a trusted physician but a cherished friend to countless families.

Dad loved getting to know and earning the trust of his patients while walking with them and their families through the joys and hardships of life. Healing was his calling, and he pursued it with unwavering passion well into his eighties. Even after partially retiring at 85, he continued to care for those he knew and loved. His family remains profoundly proud of the greater purpose he lived so fully.

From childhood, dad possessed a remarkable drive. He overcame severe dyslexia, excelled academically, and graduated early at the top of his class. Throughout his career, he ran a bustling medical office, an after-hours clinic, made hospital and nursing home rounds, and spent endless evenings dictating charts. His practice became a community in itself - a network of caretakers, nurses, specialists, assistants, drug representatives, patients, families, and friends who found connection through his work.

Early in his career, dad served honorably as Captain of the U.S. Army, 947th Medical Company. Later, he earned his pilot’s license and flew small planes to rural Colorado, providing care to remote communities. He volunteered as Team Doctor for Arvada and Arvada West High School football teams, cared for the Arvada Police Department, treated people incarcerated in the Arvada jail, and served as Grand Marshal of the Arvada Harvest Festival Parade. His intentions and energy were boundless: he raised wheat, dairy cows, and racehorses; bowled at midnight to unwind; learned to SCUBA dive; traveled widely; grew amazing tomatoes and peaches; and tackled late-night construction projects with the TV blaring.

Dad found profound joy and companionship with Kay, the love of his life. Their time together brought him peace, laughter, and ultimately, a sense of home and renewed purpose.

Beneath his busy schedule and accomplished career was his limitless devotion to his family. He loved us deeply, and we will forever cherish the gift of his humor, his smile, his unwavering care, and our precious time spent together.

He will always provide support and guidance for so many of us. And he will forever help us heal.

Robert B. Simon MD is survived by his four children: Robert Simon Jr. (Karen), Ann (Jim) Anders, Connie (Walter) Simon, and Douglas (Tracy) Simon; his three grandchildren, Robert Simon III, Tami (Mark) Hanock and Jeni (Donny) Jaster; and his two great-grandchildren, Ethan Stepan and Emma Hanock.