Harold Robert Robbins
Harold Robert “Bob” Robbins, age 90, was called to rest with his family by his side, on Sept. 19 in Gunnison. Born in 1924, Bob’s life in Gunnison began in the early 1930s, when he and his siblings helped his mother, Mildred Stevens Goodwin, run the Elk Horn Resort in Iola. They all had spent numerous summers at the ranch in Iola owned by A.K. and P.T. Stevens, where his mother Mildred was born and grew up. The Iola ranch is now under Blue Mesa Reservoir near the Stevens Creek campground. Bob always spoke of those years with pride and was in awe of his greatgrandfather A.K. Stevens and his uncle Clyde Burris, two men who guided and shaped him into the honorable man he became. As a senior at Gunnison High School, Bob was chosen to take a test at Western State College for entry into the Navy’s V-12 program, a WWII officer candidate school. He and two college students scored high enough to be accepted for the V-12 program held at Colorado College. He began the program, but unfortunately an injury disqualified him. He was given the option to separate with no military commitment, but instead he chose to serve as an enlisted Navy aviation munitions technician. He proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II at NAS Holtville, Calif., a Navy training base for the F6F Hellcat and the F4U Corsair. As ammunition tech, he would load the aircraft with munitions and arm them as they were readied for flight operations. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on Feb. 6, 1946. Bob returned to the Elk Horn Resort to help his mother and operate a mink farm. In 1948, Bob married his “forever” love, Katherine “Kay” Stimac, and they transitioned from employment at the post office and City of Gunnison, respectively, and moved to the family ranch. At the Iola ranch, and later the Steuben ranch, Bob raised hay, horses and cattle for over half a century and supervised those activities in his final years. Bob also worked with his wife to build and maintain two businesses (the ranch and later a motel), and they raised five children. Bob and Kay proudly encouraged and supported all five kids to obtain advanced educations. His interests included family, ranching, fishing, music, riding horses and reading book after book. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wi fe Kay, his daughter Rebecca Robbins, and his two siblings Ed Robbins and Jo Ann Conner. He also mourned the loss of his mother Mildred, his uncle Clyde, nephews Bill Arnold and Wayne Conner, and other dear friends and relatives. He loved and missed them all immensely. Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and friend. Bob’s humor, athleticism, and love of animals and sports will live on in his surviving children and their families Robert (Kathy) Robbins, Michelle (Larry) Keenan, Elizabeth Robbins and Sarah Robbins (Robert Heidelmeier); his two grandsons Gabe Robbins and Jason (Kenda) Keenan; and five great-grandchildren Bryar, Kaden and Rylei Robbins; and Evan Marie and Jasper Keenan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Mike Conner, sisters-inlaw Ronnie (Willard) Ruggera, Michele Stimac (Bill Roat), Pearl Stimac and Maggie Robbins and members of their families. Bob’s family and friends will miss his lively stories and priceless advice. He was grit personified. He was an inspiration to all fortunate enough to be touched by his life. In lieu of flowers or food, please send any donations to Gunnison Valley Health — Home Medical Services, in Bob’s name, or anonymously. Special thanks are extended to: the Staff of Gunnison Valley Home Health and Hospital; the Gunnison Oncology Clinic (with special thanks Chuck and Heidi); St. Peter’s Catholic Church community; and Frank Vader (Gunnison Funeral Services). The family would also like to acknowledge the loving support given by Paul Bauer, Ida Archuleta, Doug and Bridgett Spann and family, Cathy Matuszczak, Doctor James Felberg and Father Steve Murray. Please note: In keeping with the wishes of our father, the services will be private. Please remember Bob when you admire a good horse or enjoy a funny story or joke.
