Robert (Bob) Parker passed away on January 3, 2024, after a short, but courageous, battle with cancer.

Bob was born on May 2, 1949, in Brewster, Kansas to Virgil and Harriet Parker.  He spent most of his childhood growing up in Brewster Kansas on the family farm.  When the farm was sold, his family moved to Lakewood Colorado, but his love for farming and John Deere tractors remained as two of his many passions. During his college years in Pueblo Colorado, he would return in the summers to help with the custom cutting and would tell stories about his adventures in Sublet Kansas and other small-town areas.

After earning his Mechanical Engineering Degree, he went to work in New Mexico at Sandia Labs. Most of his work was protected and required security clearance so was never shared with family.  During this time in Albuquerque, Bob and his first wife, Juanita, welcomed a son Scott.

In 1971, Bob and Juanita moved to Brighton Colorado where he went to work for Timpte Beal INC as a Production and Chief engineer in manufacturer of transportation equipment.  His knowledge of the tank trailers came in handy in the years to come.  It was during this time, Bob and Juanita welcomed a daughter named Shawnna.  Yes, he deliberately spelled her name that way.

Bob found his next passion in 1975 after entering the fire service as a volunteer for Brighton Fire District and he continued serving his community for many years.  He turned his volunteer service into a career by serving the City of Thornton as a paid firefighter in 1985.  In 1989, Bob married Valerie Osborne, someone who shared his love of rural life and his love of animals.  In 1991 he became Fire Marshall for the Brighton Fire District and continued his education with degrees in Fire Prevention and Fire Science, going on to earn a bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering and Fire Administration. In his spare time, he enjoyed teaching others as an instructor in various Fire Science programs in the state of Colorado. Bob became Fire Chief for the Brighton Fire District in 2000 and retired in 2007.

As a lifelong learner, Bob finished his advanced degree with a Masters in Fire Science.  During this time, started working with The Center for Public Excellence in the hopes of helping other fire departments assess their needs and performance directed toward achievement of Accreditation.  He loved learning more about different fire departments and meeting new faces.

After retirement, he and Valerie embraced their passion for farm life in Wiggins, Colorado.  There he was able to spend his days caring for his farm, growing a small herd of cattle.  He loved the peace he found living on the farm; watching the sun rise each morning while sharing his apple fritter with the dogs.  Always remarking this was the best part of his day, telling Valerie he needed just 5 more minutes to watch the sunrise.

For anyone that knew him, he was a kind and gentle soul.  He had a way of finding the best in people, searching for a positive spin to any situation, and seeing the best of every day.  He rarely complained, except maybe the lack of moisture and green grass for the cows.  He was a jack of all trades and there was nothing he couldn't fix.  He was the person you went to with any type of problem, knowing he could help.   He truly loved helping others by listening and handing out his wisdom and experience in abundance.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Harriet Parker.  He is survived by his wife, Valerie, his two children, Shawnna Parker-Davis (Chris) and Scott Parker (Jeff) and his three grandchildren Tanner, Ethan and Azriel, and his brother Jim (Neva).  Adopted kids:  Jenny (Ramon) Sanchez children Allyson, Kai, Cruz, and Grace.  Michelle and Nick Albrandt children Tayen, Keeley, and Hayley.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 11:00am. At the Heer Mortuary Chapel, 225 E. Platte Ave. in Fort Morgan, CO. Burial will occur at a later date in Brewster, Kansas.