Robert Bartholomew Melzer

Robert B. Melzer

November 5, 1927-April 25, 2015

Bob Melzer passed away peacefully on April 25^th after a long, slow, dignified dance with cancer and a short sudden decline. He was surrounded by all his family in his final days enjoying their love and remembrances.

Bob was born on Nov. 5^th, 1927 in Denver to Carl and Grace Melzer. He grew up on a farm on Coal Mine Road in Littleton and attended Grayland Elementary School. He spent most of his free time outdoors with his father, climbing, hiking and viewing the world from above timberline.  Helping his father run climbing camps in Frisco led to adventures all over the west.  The first big trip was hiking the Colorado Continental Divide from Wyoming to New Mexico at the age of 8.  That was followed by climbing all the 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado, all the 14’ers in the United States, and the volcanoes of Mexico.  His lifelong passion for mountains and climbing continued with the Colorado Mountain Club Juniors, then with his wife and 3 boys.  This love of the mountains which started with his father, “Pops”, has been shared with anyone who has ventured into the mountains with him.

After graduating South High in Denver as age 16, Bob obtained a scholarship to start his pre-med career at the University of Denver. He excelled academically, but also found time to kick up his heels, square dancing with the University touring troupe, The Pioneer Promenaders with the love of his life Betty Lou Brayden.

They married in 1949 and Bob completed Medical School at the University of Colorado in 3 years, receiving Dr. James Waring’s Gold Headed Cane Award as the outstanding medical student in his class. While practicing Family Medicine in Nebraska for two years, Bob was drafted into the Army and shipped to Korea, working in a Mash unit, then transferred to Japan. Following his discharge as a Captain, Bob returned to the University of Colorado to complete his surgical residency. Three sons were born in 5 years. The South Denver Surgical Group was lucky to have him as a partner. He practiced well into his seventies. He was a talented surgeon with incredibly efficient surgical and diagnostic skills. He brought dignity and compassionate care to all his patients. His encyclopedic knowledge of anatomy astounded his sons and grandchildren during their own medical training.

Bob was a fantastic father and husband.  Family was always his primary focus.  Even after long hours of surgery he was the first one up, planning a backpack trip, packing lunches for a ski day or leading everyone up another 14er. His energy was infectious. Once his 6 grandchildren were born, “BobBob” continued to wow them and their friends with his skiing prowess and hiking stamina. He last climbed his beloved Peak 1 for the 39^th time at the age of 82.

Bob also loved to travel. There are few places of majesty and wonder in this world that he hasn’t seen. Especially any place with beautiful mountains; Patagonia, Nepal, Tibet, the Alps, the Andes, Alaska, Kilimanjaro and Mt. Fuji. Betty was always by his side and they shared these travels and an incredible love story.

Betty passed away in 1989. After several years Bob then married Ruth Hayes and they were married for 3 years. They still remain friends.  He subsequently spent many wonderful years traveling and hiking with his partner JoAnn Stephenson who became a loved and valuable member of the Melzer family.

The last seven years of his life Bob spent at Wind Crest Retirement Community enjoying the freedom to continue to travel and square dance without having to care for his beautiful iris and flower gardens. There he met many interesting people especially his good friend Ruth Taylor.

Bob amazed all who knew him with his sharp mind, constant optimistic temperament, and incredible stamina.  His greatest joy was being outdoors, especially above timberline. If you are admiring a beautiful mountain view, standing in a golden grove of autumn aspen, bending down to discover the delicate texture of an alpine flower or watching new born mountain goat kids frolic on top of Mt. Evans, Bob’s spirit is there watching with you.

Bob is preceded in death by: wife Elizabeth (Betty) Lou Melzer, son Thomas C. Melzer, mother Grace B. Melzer, and father Carl Melzer.

Bob is survived by: son Richard B. Melzer (Becky), son James M. Melzer (Carol), daughter-in-law Judy C. Melzer. Grandchildren, Douglas C. Melzer, Tyler C. Melzer (Molly), Tracy R. Melzer (Laura de Haro), Kerri E. Melzer, Stephanie A. Melzer, Benjamin T. Melzer. Great Grandchildren, Oliver R. Melzer, Flint W. Melzer, Cassia Melzer de Haro, Nina Melzer de Haro, Sister Peggy Hasstedt, Brother-in-law Tom Brayden (Beverly), numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial will be planned at a later date.

Memorial donations in honor of Robert B. Melzer may be made to:

The American Cancer Society

2255 So. Oneida St

Denver, CO 80224

Porter Hospice Foundation

1391 Speer Blvd., Suite 600

Denver, CO 80204

Or online at www.PorterHospiceFoundation.org

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