Robert "Bob" Seth

Robert (Bob) Seth was born August 5, 1937, and went to be with the Lord on June 10, 2023, in Ft. Collins, Colorado. He was the eldest of three children born to Al and LaVon Seth of Toledo, Ohio. His parents, sister (Carol) and brother (William) preceded him in death.

From an early age, he demonstrated his understanding of responsibility and a strong work ethic which he modeled from the example of his parents. Their parenting style was loving and supportive. LaVon and Al were proud of the son they raised and the man he became.

Some of Bob's miscellaneous jobs as a young adult....
-During high school he taught Driver's Education, primarily to adults.
-He once painted a woman's house and was paid with a plate of cookies.
-He worked in road construction (getting a tan was worth the hard labor).
-He helped build the Seth family cottage in Hillsdale, Michigan with his father every weekend during high school and early years of college. The cottage became a place of relaxation and retirement for his parents. More importantly, it became the site of many wonderful memories for generations of the extended Seth families.

Bob attended DeVilbiss High School, Toledo, Ohio. He played basketball and met his high school sweetheart-Sally Bush. Following graduation, Bob attended the University of Toledo and married Sally. To this union was born three children including Todd (MariJo) of Austin, Texas, Amy (Deb) of Grand Junction, Michigan and Scott (Tina) of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bob's first job was working at General Mills in Toledo, Ohio. He walked into the plant lobby and impressed the switchboard operator that she insisted to the manager, Tom Hogan, that they interview him. Tom Hogan was so impressed he hired him as an office boy. Tom and Bob remained lifelong friends. At age 24, Bob became a processing foreman in the General Mills plant. At 27, Bob was transferred to the West Chicago plant and was promoted to Dept. Head Supervisor. It was apparent from the first interview that Bob's persistence and people skills were already a strong part of his character.

In 1974, with a promising career established in General Mills, Bob and Sally decided to take the initiative, and risk, of moving their family to Colorado to co-start a carpet and tile business called Best Tile. Bob did the selling and running of the retail store as well as getting bids for construction jobs. The company name alone reflected Bob's work ethic. To set the company's standard as the, "Best", was a testimony of his commitment and confidence of providing the highest quality of service and workmanship.

The risk provided to be worthwhile to the family as they quickly fell in love with Colorado. Bob began to explore other jobs; pharmaceutical sales, and C&M Ready Mix Concrete. C&M Concrete provided him with great success and a company car. He even received a Christmas bonus and poured it all over the dining room table in celebration!

Although he had discovered his natural ability to sell, he was not yet satisfied. One last change had to occur... It was with Lawson Products Inc. Bob would find his niche in the business world and eventually become a master in the art of sales. Through hard work and dedication, he was offered more territory around Denver. He won a trip to Hawaii where he learned of his promotion to District Manager and over time, he would become the Rocky Mountain Regional Manager which consisted of Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Kansas. His skills at training and motivating people resulted in numerous awards and a remarkably successful reputation. The amount of responsibility and travel in his new position eventually took its toll on his health and his personal time. In addition, it kept him from one of his greatest passions, selling. With these factors in mind, and as well-earned seniority in the company, he demoted himself back to District Manager.

During the last professional chapter of his life, he met and married Barbara (Bobbie) Smith and her son Rich. He continued his career at Lawson and worked long hours and continued to exceed goals. A primary motivation to continue the pace was to support his love of cars. After Bob retired from Lawson, he and Bobbie traveled across the United States in their RV taking up their final residence in Loveland, Colorado.

Although Bob is admired for the qualities that allowed him to excel, it is what he has provided his family that will always be regarded as his greatest success. In the traditional role of a father as a "provider," he has exceeded all expectations. His family was extremely fortunate to have nice homes in safe neighborhoods to grow up in, and help with their college education. Each child was always granted more than what was needed. Love and support were always granted in the same manner. It is the work ethic and qualities he has instilled in all his children that remain his greatest gift. As a role model he taught his children about: Faith, commitment to excellence, teamwork, perseverance, dedication, setting, meeting and exceeding goals and the importance of helping others. All those who knew him knew he loved the Lord, his families, his dogs (Harvey, Mitzi and Nicky) and the Broncos with a great deal of passion. He was a funny storyteller who could find ways to connect with anyone. In the end he summed it up... "I've had a wonderful life."

Bob is survived by his wife (Bobbie) her son Rich (Dee), three children (Todd, Amy and Scott), grandson Christopher (Heidi) and great-grandchildren (Malakai and Andi) and his beloved dog (Harvey). The families wish to thank Pathway staff for the wonderful care. By Bob's request, there will be no service. Memorials may be made in Bob's name to A local SPCA or
Pathways Larimer County
305 Carpenter Road
Ft. Collins, CO 80525