Robert W. Swerer

Robert (Bob) W. Swerer, Fort Collins' oldest Western entertainer, passed away on November 2, 2024. His wife Marian, and children Pam and Bob were at his side at his home. Bob was born to Frank and Betty Swerer in Denver, Colorado on November 7, 1927. He attended Denver schools with his sisters Frances and Helen. He graduated from East High School. In 1947, he attended Colorado State University majoring in Animal Husbandry. He had moved into the SAE house and was soon entertaining his fraternity brothers with his music and formed a band called Bob Swerer and the Sons of the Rockies. They became very well known on the campus and throughout the city. Bob had two radio shows on KCOL that were heard at 7:30 A. M. and at 5:30 P.M . He met the love of his life, Marian Hettinger, when she would sing with him on many occasions. They married on September 2, 1950. Bob was busy traveling with his band and quit college. He was drawing house plans for Bartran Homes and also had his own appliance repair business. He would travel to Wyoming, Nebraska and throughout Colorado playing with his band . He also played for several movie premiers. Bob's Dad and uncle owned a bus line, but, it was lost during the Depression. Bob learned good work ethics at an early age. His favorite job was working on several ranches during the summers. After welcoming three wonderful children, Pam, Bob Jr. and Becky, Bob's dream was to own his own nightclub. Bob 'drew' the Safari plans and presented them to the County Commissioners. They turned him down. Not discouraged by three other restaurants in town who owned liquor licenses, he told them it was going to be a different kind of business. It would be a restaurant with live music, ballroom dancing and a dress code . Wagers were made that the dress code would never hold. The business became very successful with the dress code! Many of his employees included family and friends. Countless employees worked from the ages of 15 years through college age. They were like second family to the Swerer's and still are. After twenty years, Bob and Marian wanted more time with their family, friends and to travel. Many wonderful memories were made and Bob took movies/video of every trip, adding narration and music. They traveled most of the world, but, Bob still loved hiking with his daughters and son up Long's Peak. He had many hunting trips with his son Bob, Jr. They traveled many times to Alaska, taking pictures and video of the people and the animals. PBS soon came calling and their films are now shown all over the country. Their DVD's and books are sold throughout the US and Canada. Bob's grandchildren remember his decorated house with Santa and his reindeer running on the roof. He was meticulous in everything he did. He was a gentle, kind man with never a bad word for anyone. He loved people and they loved him. He will be forever loved and respected by his family. Survivors are his beloved wife Marian, daughter Pam, son Bob, Jr., and daughter Becky (deceased); son-in-law Robert McNutt; sisters Frances Ellinwood and Helen Lanning (deceased); 6 adored grandchildren Matt Wells (Stephanie), Aubrey Baar (Chris), Morgan Sciacca (Chris), Falyn and Anastazia McNutt, and Bob Swerer III; 8 great- grandchildren; and many loved nieces and nephews. There were two words that Bob never used - 'no' and 'can't' - a phrase 'where there's a will, there's a way'. We will always love you . Happy Trails, Bob!