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Welcome to the memorial page for

Robert Bartholomew Melzer

November 5, 1927 ~ April 25, 2015 (age 87) 87 Years Old
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Message from Bruce Brookens, M.D.
May 10, 2015 11:53 PM
I worked as an anesthesiologist for Dr. Melzer and his patients for several decades at Porter/Swedish Hospitals. He was a gentleman and fine surgeon, always respectful of the entire staff in the operating room, as a number of the above commentators have attested.  He created an atmosphere of calm in the OR, always cognizant of the skills and talents of others who worked for the benefit of his patients.  He never yelled or intimidated colleagues, as can be common among some surgeons.  He was genuinely interested in the well-being of his surgical patients.  He had a great sense of humor.  One night, a patient arrived with an acute abdomen (surgical term for a patient who needed an urgent operation).  It was unclear what had caused this otherwise healthy young person to become acutely ill.  When the abdomen was opened, he removed a candle which had perforated the patient's bowel with the calm comment, "...now where do you suppose this came from?").  That was Dr. Melzer: unflappable!
Message from Howard E. Erickson
May 10, 2015 10:02 AM
Wilma and I extend our condolences to you upon the loss of Bob.  We were saddened by your loss.  Bob was indeed an outstanding individual. We were neighbors of Jim Dumm and had the good fortune to meet Bob and Betty.  I was also lucky enough to be included in his poker group for many years
Message from John Mijer M.D.
May 7, 2015 12:05 PM
I knew Dr Melzer as a family friend growing up in Denver.  He was an amazing gentleman who was always kind and humble, and he and his wife passed on all their fine traits to their three sons.  My parents, Frits Mijer M.D.(deceased), and Midge always held Robert, and the Melzer family in the highest esteem.  My mother, Midge and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Robert's family at his loss.  Sincerely, John Mijer
Message from Chuck Seibert, MD
May 6, 2015 9:27 AM
Bob was my chief resident during my surgical service during my 59'-60' rotating internship at Denver General Hospital; subsequently, after my CU radiology residency, when I joined a radiology group practice, Bob was a highly respected physician colleague I truly enjoyed during my 62'-98' practice years in South Denver. Bob was always a role model; he was calm, attentive, caring and kind not only with his patients but with all of the ancillary folks involved in patient care; what a guy he was, throughout his life!
Message from Johanna Anderson
May 5, 2015 9:04 PM
I worked in the operating room at Porter Hospital from 1965-1968. Dr. Melzer was one of my favorite surgeons. He was not only a very competent surgeon, but a very nice man to work with. He was always very kind to us operating room nurses.

Jo Anderson
Message from Maxine Hicks
May 5, 2015 3:52 PM
Bob was a very kind, considerate person.  I only knew him as a resident at Windcrest.  We  first  square danced with him as a couple but even after my husband, Ron died 2 1/2  years ago and I returned to dancing as a single, he always managed to dance one square with me every time I would come.  I will miss his smiling face and gentle hug whenever we would run into each other.
Message from Johanna Anderson
May 4, 2015 9:37 PM
I worked in the operating room at Porter Hospital from 1965-1968. One of my favorite surgeons was Dr. Melzer. He was not only a very competent surgeon, but such a nice man to work with. He was always kind to us operating room nurses.
Message from jayne bowman
May 4, 2015 6:49 PM
I worked with Dr. Melzer quite  a few years ago.  He was a consumate professional, and a genuinely kind man.  My sympathies to the family.
Message from Lloyd and Dody Eicher
May 4, 2015 3:39 PM
We had the privilege of knowing Bob Melzer all of the years here at Wind Crest.  We especially enjoyed our times together at square dancing and other socializing too.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.  We and many others here will miss him too.  
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Message from Anne Murlin
May 4, 2015 5:41 AM
I had the privilege of wking for Dr Melzer 1975-1989, wonderful man! He will be missed.
My thoughts are with you all
Anne
Message from Kay Gishpert
May 3, 2015 8:11 PM
my deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Melzer.  Dr did surgery on me almost 25 years ago for cancer of the breast--but his concern for me at that time helped me to begin healing before he even took me into the OR.  He spent over and hour with my husband and myself after the biopsy came back and at the end of a very busy day for him.  He was truly a healer along with his excellent surgical skills.  May he rest in peace.
Message from Norm & Fran Fox
May 3, 2015 4:29 PM
Bob was one of the finest persons I have had the opportunity to associate with. He was full of life and lived life to the utmost in the truest sense. I was honored to socialize with him here at Windcrest and he will be greatly missed. We enjoyed square dancing together and socializing at other functions. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and we his friends here at Windcrest will miss him also. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, his family during this time of grief, but you know he would want you to celebrate his life.
Message from Lilette Bagwin
May 3, 2015 2:56 PM
I knew Bob for many years at the Rocky Tops Square Dance Club. The club met every Thursday night from 7:30 - 10 pm. During that time square dancers and round dancers got together and shared some fun, dances, and laughs together.  Each night there were  numbered dances that were shared by a group of single and married people. Bob and I used to share #4 which was the "PLUS" level dance.  I used to look so forward to dancing with Bob each week. He knew all the steps and had such good dancing form. He was also so strong even in his later years. Now I know it was from all that mountain climbing. He stopped coming to the Rocky Tops about a year ago and I knew his health was of concern. I missed seeing him and dancing with him. He was the kind of guy that made a difference in the world around him. I am proud to have occupied even a tiny part of his life.
Message from Jerry & Sylvia Rau
May 3, 2015 1:18 PM
Bob was an incredible neighbor just 2 doors down from us in Genesee. He was a joy to know and always shared good conversation. Bob was kind to our children who watched him meticiously work the garden and lawn. I personally found Bob to have a big heart and concern for others. Heaven is certainly more crowded with a this fine man.
Message from Joy Chichester
May 2, 2015 2:36 PM
Condolences to Bob's family from the Denver Area Square and Round Dance Council (DAS&RDC).  A few years ago Bob was a club representative to Council from the Rocky Tops Square Dance Club.  I personally knew Bob after 2002 at Rocky Tops, and he graciously took me several times to square dances. He will be fondly remembered by square dancers in the larger Denver metro area.  He was an excellent dancer and we always loved being "in a square" with him. We are all blessed to regard Bob as a dear friend.
Message from Laurie Leder
May 2, 2015 2:02 PM
Dr. Melzer took out a breast lump on my left breast when I was a social worker at Swedish in the early 1980's. He was a wonderful surgeon and a kind man. Afterwards, we went skiing together but I was not at his speed to keep up with him on the mountain.
I wanted the family to know that your dad and grandfather was truly a great man and a wonderful doctor..
Laurie Leder
Message from Pat Muller
May 2, 2015 9:36 AM
Such an admirable human being, and thoroughly nice guy!  I know you all will miss him so much.
Message from Jack Gallagher, M.D.
May 2, 2015 9:26 AM
Bob was an outstanding man. He was a positive role model for me and a host of others for the last 50 + years.
Jack Gallagher
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