Robert "Bob" Dyekman

Where do you begin, as you try to sum up the life of Bob Dyekman? One accomplishment or act of service will lead to another memory, another story, another reason that he was loved, respected, and will be lovingly missed.

Robert (Bob) Dyekman, 90, passed away Sunday December 24, 2017 at Columbine Commons in Windsor, Colorado.

Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, the son of Florence and Elmer (Skinny) Dyekman, Bob was a lifelong resident and active community member. Known by many as "Big Bob Darling" or "Big Bad Bob," he was loved by all and touched many lives with his commitment to service and wonderful sense of humor.

In his early days, Bob worked for Ricker Brothers delivering candy. He then worked for the Fort Collins Power Plant. For the majority of his career, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, starting out as a mail carrier, working up to a supervisor position where he had a successful career and retired in 1985.

Bob was an active leader in Boy Scouts, serving as Scout Master for Troop 96, and earning multiple awards including the high honor of a Silver Beaver. He influenced thousands of youths through his mentorship and coaching. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in World War II, and spent the end of the war in Guam. As Bob would always say, they surrendered when they heard Big Bob was coming. Bob was a member of the Pioneers, serving as president and earning the Pioneer of the Year award.

In his younger days, Bob was very active, playing basketball and badminton and swimming every morning at the Fort Collins club. He earned many gold and silver medals for basketball, badminton, and swimming in the Senior Olympics.

Bob spent much of his free time building furniture and other amazing wood projects. He only actually sliced his fingers a couple times, frequently coming in with fake wounds made from wax to scare the family. His playfulness will be missed by so many.

Robert married Shirley Owens on December 19, 1948. They were a fun-loving couple, traveling in their motorhome all over the country and collecting bells in every state. They loved to ballroom dance and play bridge and cribbage together, but most of all cherished time camping, fishing, and traveling with their children and grandchildren. The couple had three children, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley and his brother Elmer. He is survived by his son Jim and daughter-in-law Linda, his son Gary, his daughter Sally Wright and son-in-law Bill Wright, his grandson Chris Wright and granddaughter-in-law Grace Wright, his granddaughter Dani Schwinn and grandson-in-law John Adam Schwinn, and great grandchildren Joey and Emily Schwinn.

His legacy will live on with all of the lessons shared and memories created with his scout members and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests favorite stories and memories of Bob to celebrate his amazing life. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.