Robert "Bob" James Hyland

Robert James Hyland was born in Inglewood, CA, on June 6, 1933, to Robert Benjamin “Benny” and Rose Marie (Mutchie) Hyland. The family resided in various CA cities until moving to Hemingford, NE, in 1944. Graduating from high school in 1950, he attended Chadron College and graduated from Doane College, Crete, NE, in 1954. Later degrees were earned at Chadron and Colorado Teachers College (now UNC). While attending Doane, he was very active in campus affairs and was elected president of the Student Activities Board and Chairman of the Men's House Council. 

While at Doane, he met the love of his life, Patricia Neal. They were married in Omaha, NE, on October 17, 1954. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. He trained at Ft. Devens, MA, for assignment to the Army Security Agency. His stations included Kenai and Gambell, Alaska. After his Army service, Bob joined the Gering Public Schools in 1956 and served 37 years as teacher, activities director, and elementary principal. He was given the Gering Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator award in 1967. His major accomplishment was the planning and opening of Geil Elementary in 1976, where he served as principal for 17 years. He retired in 1993. Being interested and active in community affairs, Bob served on the Gering City Council for seven years, as well as numerous local committees. He was a member of Scottsbluff Elk Lodge #1367, Gering American Legion Post #36, and the Nebraska Elementary Principals Association. 

Summers were spent in their Estes Park cabin enjoying Rocky Mountain National Park for 34 years. They moved to Greeley, CO, in 2012 after residing in Gering for 56 years. Bob enjoyed all outdoor activities, was a voracious reader, traveled extensively, was an avid fan of Husker and Bronco football and Rockies baseball. He officiated high school football and basketball for over 20 years. Prime time with all family members was greatly enjoyed. 

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Pat, son Robert Scott (Brooks) of Estes Park, CO, daughters Kimberly (Dan) Berry of Longmont, CO and Christine of Greeley, CO. Granddaughters Francesca Hyland and Alexandria D'Agostino, and great granddaughter, Carmella, all of Bakersfield, CA, sister-in-law Dianna of Ventura, CA, brother-in-law Steve Neal (Vio) of Mesa, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary. 

Bob’s Life Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2024 at Adamson Life Celebration Home, Greeley with a luncheon to follow.  Services will be held in Gering at a later date, to be announced. 

To view the livestream, use the following link: www.ckpmediaservices.com/live. 

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to “Legacy of the Plains Museum” in Gering, NE or sent in care of Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.  Condolences may be shared at AdamsonCares.com.