Robert “Bob” Oatman passed away peacefully on September 20, 2022, at his treasured home in Black Hawk at the age of 88. Bob will be profoundly missed by his family and the many people whose lives he touched.
One of Bob’s mottos was “anything worth doing is worth doing right.” That passionate approach to excellence was reflected in his role in the military, business, retirement, and community service.
Bob was born November 15, 1933, in Humboldt, KS to parents Floyd Ray Oatman and Doris Mary (nee Howe.) Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 19, serving his country during the Korean war and in the reserves for another 6 years.
He met and married his wife Shirley while they both were employed at Joslins Department Store in 1955. At the Rio Grande Railroad, he worked his way up through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a Land Contracts Manager after 33 years of service.
Bob was not a typical retiree and spent his 34 years of retirement actively pursuing other interests.
In the late nineties, Bob and Shirley decided to build their dream home in Black Hawk. Not only did Bob act as the General Contractor, but he actively contributed to almost every stage of construction.
An active member of the community, Bob was well known for his sense of humor, his willingness to take on any challenge, and his desire to use his many talents to help others. Bob acted as the Dory Lakes Property Owner Association Board President for 12 years. Holding other positions as well, he was instrumental with the installment of Columbine Park and the mailboxes, boat ramps, entrance signs and benches at the lake. He loved working with a crew of neighbors/volunteers who worked with him. They all worked hard to make Dory Lakes a wonderful family subdivision. He was a one time interim Fire Chief of the Timberline Fire Protection District. He was a member of the American Legion. He initiated and originally funded the effort to build an addition to Saint Mary’s Church in Central City in honor of Shirley.
When not helping others, Bob was always busy tinkering around his property, enjoying the great outdoors, or writing ATVs. He was an avid Broncos fan and was recognized by the Broncos organization for being a season ticket holder for more than 47 years.
Family was very important to Bob. He and Shirley were happily married for almost 50 years until Shirley’s passing in 2004. Together, they raised 4 children: Terri, Bob, Randy, and Jodi. The family grew up in the great outdoors of Colorado, spending time at the family cabin near Fraser, camping, or boating.
As the kids grew and had families of their own, Grandpa Bob delighted in playing with his grandkids, teaching them practical skills and life lessons, and seeing each grow and develop into uniquely talented individuals.
In 2005, Bob was blessed to meet and marry his beautiful wife Norma (née Walinder), with whom he enjoyed another 15 years of fun and adventure. Bob and Norma lived life to its fullest, traveling to many national and international locations, riding ATV’s with their dogs, going to Broncos games, volunteering, and socializing with their many friends.
We will miss his wit, intelligence, and kindness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Norma Walinder Oatman, two sisters Marian Montano and Carol Isaksen, children Terry Chisholm (Kenny), Bob Oatman (Linda), Randy Oatman (Cherie) and Jodi Pollack (Dan), two step children Amy Crane and Randy Crane (Leslie), grandchildren Jayme Doremus, Austin Pollack (Rachel), Erica Pollack, Stephanie Oatman, Nathan Oatman, Josh Oatman, step grandchild Ashley Crane, along with great grandchildren Loren, Sophia, Kenzie, Isaiah, and Tobias.
At Bob’s request a gathering for immediate family only will be held in early October and a celebration of life will be held on October 8, 2022, from noon to 2 p.m. at Westwoods Golf Club, 6655 Quaker Street, Arvada, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Family Tree in Wheat Ridge, Charlie’s Place Animal Shelter in Idaho Springs, Ermels Emporium in Central City, or the charity of your preference.
