SEPTEMBER 21, 1945 – AUGUST 31, 2023
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert “Bob” M. Beals of Fort Collins on August 31, 2023, at age 77, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Bob was raised in Michigan and came to Colorado to serve at Lowry Air Force Base where he taught electronics and earned many commendations. His 40-year career as a computer/software engineer with Honeywell began the Monday after he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, and also included a move to Arizona and then back to Colorado. In retirement, he enjoyed his part time job with The Olde Course in Loveland, and the golfing and camaraderie there.
Bob was an avid golfer, voracious reader, and had a daily Spanish streak on Duolingo for 5+ years that he maintained even during his illness (que valiente). He always promised his wife a rose garden and took pride in his yard endeavors and was a loyal Denver Broncos fan. Above all, he was dedicated to his family, an outstanding “Girl Dad” and “Granddad,” beloved for his kindness and dry sense of humor.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 57 years, Laurie; daughters: Wendy (Michael) Nielsen, Elizabeth (Brett) Van Dusen; Lauren Beals-Markus (Allan); granddaughters: Kaela and Liv. He is also survived by his sister Carlene Beals Cameron, and sister-in-law Gaye Tischler. There are many treasured nieces and nephews, as well as loyal friends, who were all hoping for a different outcome.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Carl Beals; sister Catherine "Sue" Knecht; aunt Shirley Demaray; niece Megan Knecht; in-laws Pauline and Harold Tischler; and a special dog and 5 beloved cats.
On their first date, Bob took Laurie to see "My Fair Lady" at the beautiful Fox Theater in Detroit. It became a favorite movie throughout their long marriage. Fair to say that Laurie had "grown accustomed to his face.”
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
It was Bob’s wish to help children who are fighting cancer by making memorial donations to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105.
May he rest in eternal peace after fighting so hard to stay at the helm of his family. If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.
