Robert E. Simon

Robert E. Simon passed away June 18, 2021. He was laughing with a friend in his beloved garden when he ventured into the cosmos. Rob or “Bob” was born Nov 11, 1952 and grew up in the East Bay region of San Francisco. These were exciting times of social change; this setting gave our all-American boy an early life of adventure and fun. He may have hated cream corn and canned asparagus, but he developed a lifelong love of crab legs, sourdough, baseball, motor bikes and music. As a young man he enjoyed live shows and we heard many stories about seeing bands like The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane and Carlos Santana for 75 cents. In his early twenties he moved to Fort Collins, CO to care for his grandmother, when house maintenance and yard work became difficult to manage on her own. With his love of nature and sense of adventure, he quickly set out to explore those awe-inspiring mountains in the place he would eventually call home. His first winter in Colorado he learned to cross-country ski and was instantly hooked. He was such a natural that even native Coloradoans would never guess he was a transplant. The next chapter of his life started with a silly conversation about candy and led to “I do!” He not only fell in love with his wife Carol, but he also fell in love with her children. He got the whole package the day they married. They were best friends and soul mates; a match made in heaven. His family was his universe, his shining stars. Through every tragedy and every heart break-- through thick and thin-- Bob was always there. He was the glue that held the family together and he helped put the pieces back together stronger than before. Bob was an amazingly kind man with glimmering blue eyes and a hint of mischief in that contagious smile. He was loved dearly, and we will miss him every day. When asked how he wished to be remembered he said, “I wish to be remembered as a loving father and friend to everyone. I wish to be remembered as a person committed to personal freedoms. Most of all, I wish to be remembered on and as a warm, sunny day.” Bob believed that human connection is what gives meaning to life. In that light and to honor his wish, we are having a day of Remembrance on July 11, 2021, at 11 a.m. at The Bartels Farm (3424 E Douglas Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80524) followed by a pot-luck picnic. Wear your brightest grooviest clothes, Hawaiian shirts for extra groove. If you can, bring a side dish and blanket; we'll supply the rest, but save the alcohol for another time. Bob O’s welcome. In his 5 Wishes Bob expressed that in lieu of flowers he would like to see any contributions of any kind, whether it is love, time, support, or money, be given to his wife, Carol, and kids Danny, Sebbi, and Ben. Map to Bartels can be found at: https://thebartelsfarm.com/contact.html