1937
Robert
2016
Robert Chapman
August 30, 1937 — March 6, 2016
Robert Kent "Bob" Chapman passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016, in Durango, surrounded by family. He was 78 years old.
Robert was born August 30, 1937, to Colton Holmes Chapman and Florence Margaret (Kent) Chapman in Durango, Colorado. His family, originally living in Pagosa Springs, moved to Durango when he was 1 year old. He graduated from Durango High School in 1956. Alpine Skiing was his school activity, passion and legacy.
Bob met his future wife, Kathie through a mutual friend and their courting began. They were married January 14, 1961 in Cortez. Bob and Kathie had a unique grounding connection in that they shared the same birthday. He served in the Colorado National Guard both before and after marriage. Bob attended Fort Lewis College during the first year of its present-day location.
Bob worked for the Department of Highways/CDOT as a Project Engineer. As you travel throughout Durango and the Southwest, his legacy from his Engineering work effort is continuing to be enjoyed by travelers from around the world. His efforts included transportation corridor projects such as 550 through Durango, Wolf Creek, Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes as well infrastructure projects that included snow sheds and bridges in Bodo Park and Mesa Verde. He retired in 1993 after 36 years of enduring service.
Bob was an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast. Chapman Hill - our local Durango Ski Hill, is named for Bob's family. Bob was a craftsman, solution artist and perfectionist in every detail of his life. Whether it was skiing, automotive or home restoration or basic fabrication, his attention to detail for solution design was second to none. His restoration projects included, many houses, classic car restorations for all of his teenage children and ended in his prized 56 T-Bird. Always just a phone call way, his vision, mentorship and expertise for problem solving was commonly his gift to family and friends.
Bob and Kathie enjoyed their retirement time together traveling to many places, including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. His home was a gathering spot for family, neighbors and friends and he always had a beer to pontificate over and cheer on those Denver Broncos.
Bob is survived by his wife, Kathie, 3 children: Rick (Robyn) of Greeley, Beverly and Larry (Suezan) both of Durango, 4 grandchildren: Todd, Chris, Brock, and Curtis, all of Greeley, 8 great-grandchildren, nephew Steve of Durango, niece Cindy of Utah and many extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Walter.
Memorial contributions may be sent to: La Plata County Human Society or for Chapman Hill improvements. (Important: Please make Chapman Hill donations payable to City of Durango and send to: Recreation Department 2700 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301).
A memorial service will be held at Chapman Hill Arena, Durango on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 11:30 a.m.
Robert was born August 30, 1937, to Colton Holmes Chapman and Florence Margaret (Kent) Chapman in Durango, Colorado. His family, originally living in Pagosa Springs, moved to Durango when he was 1 year old. He graduated from Durango High School in 1956. Alpine Skiing was his school activity, passion and legacy.
Bob met his future wife, Kathie through a mutual friend and their courting began. They were married January 14, 1961 in Cortez. Bob and Kathie had a unique grounding connection in that they shared the same birthday. He served in the Colorado National Guard both before and after marriage. Bob attended Fort Lewis College during the first year of its present-day location.
Bob worked for the Department of Highways/CDOT as a Project Engineer. As you travel throughout Durango and the Southwest, his legacy from his Engineering work effort is continuing to be enjoyed by travelers from around the world. His efforts included transportation corridor projects such as 550 through Durango, Wolf Creek, Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes as well infrastructure projects that included snow sheds and bridges in Bodo Park and Mesa Verde. He retired in 1993 after 36 years of enduring service.
Bob was an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast. Chapman Hill - our local Durango Ski Hill, is named for Bob's family. Bob was a craftsman, solution artist and perfectionist in every detail of his life. Whether it was skiing, automotive or home restoration or basic fabrication, his attention to detail for solution design was second to none. His restoration projects included, many houses, classic car restorations for all of his teenage children and ended in his prized 56 T-Bird. Always just a phone call way, his vision, mentorship and expertise for problem solving was commonly his gift to family and friends.
Bob and Kathie enjoyed their retirement time together traveling to many places, including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. His home was a gathering spot for family, neighbors and friends and he always had a beer to pontificate over and cheer on those Denver Broncos.
Bob is survived by his wife, Kathie, 3 children: Rick (Robyn) of Greeley, Beverly and Larry (Suezan) both of Durango, 4 grandchildren: Todd, Chris, Brock, and Curtis, all of Greeley, 8 great-grandchildren, nephew Steve of Durango, niece Cindy of Utah and many extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Walter.
Memorial contributions may be sent to: La Plata County Human Society or for Chapman Hill improvements. (Important: Please make Chapman Hill donations payable to City of Durango and send to: Recreation Department 2700 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301).
A memorial service will be held at Chapman Hill Arena, Durango on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 11:30 a.m.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Chapman, please visit our flower store.
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