Robert Eugene Hall

Robert (Bob) Hall now moves at the speed of thought and is always a heartbeat away. 

He was born in Washington but spent his adult life in Colorado.  

Bob served in the Navy as an aerial engineer.  In1956, Bob’s active duty was served aboard the attack carrier USS Yorktown on its Far East Deployment, with assignments in Hong Kong, Japan, along with a 1958 Western Pacific deployment that included Manila, The Philippines, Quemoy and Matsu.  The USS Yorktown was the first aircraft carrier to have an angled flight deck.   Once back in civilian life, he became a mechanic at Capitol Chevrolet through his 1961 Naval Reserve days.  After an honorable discharge from the US Navy, he drove a semi for Deline Box Company but retired from Coors Brewery.  He even won a few buckles at the Coors Truck Rodeo.  During the CB craze his handle was Stubby One.  If you remember how Bob was built, in his later years, you get it.   While he may not have stood tall in a crowd, he always stood head and shoulders above most men for his kindness and courtesy.

Bob loved fishing, family vacations, going back home to Washington, playing cards, and a few trips up the mountain for penny slots at the casino in Blackhawk.  For years he had season tickets to the Colorado Rockies and was a Denver Broncos fan.  He loved watching game shows and old westerns for the longest time. 

In addition to enjoying family reunion time in Washington with his family, Bob also delighted in seeing his extended Colorado family at the annual September birthday party held at his brother’s home.  There are so many September birthdays that the celebration also became a mini-family reunion.  It was always a fun afternoon of stories, laughter, and great food. 

Bob spent the last 10 years in a nursing home due to Frontal and Temporal Lobe Demetia, presenting as Apathy.   Once in the nursing home, BINGO became a favorite pastime.  He delighted in winning a candy bar.  He also enjoyed winning hats and trinkets he could give to us as gifts.  You learned not to visit during The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, or BINGO.  If you came near mealtime, you’d better plan on leaving early or joining him for dinner.  You could set your watch by his tummy!  LOL

It was also during this time that he and his son-in-law, John, became best buddies.  They enjoyed each other’s company several times a week and would talk for hours each time.  In the last few years, as Bob’s mobility continued to decrease, they watched “absurd” TV together.  I say this because neither of them plays golf, yet they watched it a lot.  One didn’t dare change the channel.  Despite having a decent array of channels to choose from, Bob also became a huge fan of General Hospital.  We always got a good laugh over that one.   Again, you did not visit while it was on, or you had to join in quietly and watch with him.  You could visit once it was over. 

In addition to being a genuinely kind man, one of Bob’s most admirable traits was his ability to forgive and forget.  He didn’t hold a grudge, and he was always happy to see you.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen him angry.  We were also surprised that dad didn’t swear, even though he’d been a sailor and a trucker.  He didn’t like foul language or off-color jokes.  He spent our youth teaching us by example…good or bad.  We knew if we heard, “Now don’t you try this, you could get hurt…” it was usually followed by him getting hurt.  Personally, I call half-baked repairs “Bob Jobs” in his honor.  He may not have been able to fix everything, but he always tried.  That was BEFORE Google. 

Bob was married and divorced twice.  Bob also watched over his best friend’s widow for many years until her passing in 2015.  He was kind and always showed care and respect for women.  He set that example for his sons to follow and for his daughters to look for in a husband. 

Most of all Bob had a contagious chuckle.  If he was amused, everyone knew it.  It will be missed as much as he will.  It endeared him to the staff at the nursing home.  He was a “fan favorite” of theirs and despite the hiccup in care on July 9th this year, the love they showed him over the years is very much appreciated.  We love you, Dad, and we will miss you. ♥

Bob requested cremation and burial in Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, CO.  There will be a graveside service in August.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the American Legion in his name.  I belong to the American Legion Post 1985 located at 870 1st Street, Firestone, CO 80520, and we could use donations for the Veteran’s Fund.  They make sure that veterans get free rides to all appointments, medical care, including prescriptions, groceries and other needs that might not be met on the veteran’s income.

If you don’t want to donate to our post, please think about donating to your local VFW or American Legion.

~ Phyllis