Robert "Bob" Brandes

Robert Warren Brandes, Jr., age 78, passed away December 2, 2025, following an unexpected illness. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Minnesota in 1947 and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from Wabash College in Indiana and the University of Colorado Law School. Bob served his country in between, spending three years in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam as an Artillery Officer.

Bob moved to Fort Collins, Colorado after graduating from law school, where he built a successful and purposeful career as an attorney - work that reflected his deep commitment to integrity, service, and helping others. He was a founding Partner of Myatt Brandes & Gast PC, where he advised clients in real estate, business formation and general civil litigation for over 40 years. Bob was proud of his firm and his law practice. He was President of the Larimer County Bar Association in 1988-99 and Vice President of the Colorado Bar Association in 1994-95. He had a tremendous reputation among his colleagues within the legal profession, and was the recipient of the Professionalism Award from the Larimer County Bar Association in 2004 for adherence to the highest standards of legal professionalism and outstanding community service.

Bob's dedication to service extended far beyond his legal practice. He valued giving back to his community and did so generously, offering his time and leadership to organizations including the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado (Chair of Larimer County Campaign), Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation (President), Colorado Legal Services, Inc., Neighbor to Neighbor Board, and Pathways Hospice of Larimer County (Board Chair). Bob believed in equal access to justice for those less fortunate, and worked to make that happen for low-income Coloradoans. Bob received the 2002 Distinguished Volunteer Award from Lutheran Family Services of Colorado for many years of pro bono representation of the Agency and birth mothers in need of service. His steady presence, sound judgment, and compassion left a lasting impression on colleagues, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bob was known for his quick wit, his love of travel, and the joy he took in living a full and meaningful life. He and his wife Jana were committed to exploring the country and various parts of the world. Hilton Head, South Carolina became a favorite destination, where they hosted friends and family for many years, scouting out the best sunset decks and gas station fried chicken. Over the course of the past 30 years, Bob would gather his diverse group of friends for an annual weekend of golf, heckling and fraternity at notable locations around Colorado. "Ironmen" ride on.

Bob was exceedingly proud of his children and the families they are raising. His grandchildren brought him particular joy, hearing from them about their many activities and interests. He instilled in his family the principles he lived his life by: service, hard work, compassion. He introduced them to the natural wonders of Colorado, especially Rocky Mountain National Park, where he first traveled as a young boy. Longs Peak stands as an eternal tribute to his life and legacy.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Jana Brandes; his children, Ben Brandes (Meredith Asay) and Ellen Stuart (Mike Stuart); his five wonderful grandchildren; and his five loving sisters and their families, all of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on January 2, 2026, at the Fort Collins Marriott, beginning at 2pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's honor to: the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado: mailed or delivered to 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 701, Denver, CO 80203 or made online at www.legalaidfoundation.org ; or Pathways Hospice: mailed or delivered to 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525 or made online at www.pathways-care.org/give-now .