Robert Leon “Bob” Swanemyr passed away Monday, Nov. 7. He was 88 years old.
Bob was born Oct. 21, 1934, to Rudolph and Lilly Swanemyr in Durango, Colo., and he grew up in Allison, Colo., on the family ranch. Bob graduated from Ignacio High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving stateside. He married Betty Lou Tate on Dec. 30, 1956, in Aztec, N.M. Bob helped his family on the ranch until he began working for the Colorado Department of Transportation in the late 1960s, retiring in 1978.
Bob was a member of the Allison Community Presbyterian Church and the Mt. Allison Grange; he was active in the Colorado Mounted Rangers.
Bob enjoyed fishing, gardening and tending to his Christmas tree farm. He loved farming, ranching and working on his yard — his “oasis.” He worked with his father in the cattle business and very much enjoyed his ranching career. One of Bob’s favorite things was meeting his buddies at the local coffee shop.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Bruce (Cindy) Swanemyr, and Kristy (Sean) Davis; grandchildren: Jesse and Cole Swanemyr, and Luke Davis; seven great-grandchildren; many extended family; and wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kara Matthews, and siblings: Evelyn Brennan and Nancy Valencia.
A funeral service will be held Monday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. at Allison Community Church. Burial will follow at Allison Tiffany Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allison Community Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1899, Arboles, CO 81122.
