Robert Henry Smith

Robert H. Smith

July 3, 1937 - May 19, 2026

Bob was born July 3, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska to Verna Howell and Wayne J.C. Smith, the youngest of five children. He was the last survivor of his nuclear family attaining the age of 88 years. In his early years, he developed asthma and struggled in his childhood with breathing because of the humidity in Nebraska. After numerous visits with relatives living in Boulder, Colorado, Bob at age 21, announced to his parents that he was moving to Boulder where the air was more suitable for his health condition. His parents decided to join him and in 1958, the three of them made the move to Boulder.

A kind friend nicknamed Bob, "Older Than Boulder," prompting Bob to reminisce about his early days coming to Boulder. He affectionately recalled that 28th Street was just a gravel road; that Canyon Street was actually Water Street; that where Safeway now stands at Arapahoe and 28th Street was a 9-hole golf course; and that on the east side of 28th Street was a riding stable. Behind the riding stable to the east could only be seen open fields as nothing had been developed in that area.

Upon arrival to Boulder, Bob found a job as a milk deliveryman working at Watts Hardy Dairy. He and a work buddy enjoyed all those aforementioned amenities of Boulder, including hiking, biking, and exploring the mountains and some of the old mining towns.

In the early 1960's, he worked at CU's Word Processing Department housed in the basement of Macky Auditorium. When he heard of a job opportunity at Flatiron Company, he jumped at the chance. At retirement, he had worked 38 years in various positions for Flatiron Company.

He married in 1961 with Barbara Beagle and had one son, Greg. Both Barbara and later Greg at age 50 preceded him in death. He married a second time in 1975 with Janie Lambert Candy and to that marriage she brought a son, Jim. Two years later, another son, David, was born. As a blended family Bob excelled in setting an example as a loving, attentive father and husband. Bob and Janie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janie; two sons David Smith (Diana) and Jim Candy (Karin); five grandsons, Kevin Smith (Ashley), Brian Smith, Josh Candy, Micah Candy, the newest grandson, baby Aidan Smith; five great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Ruth Lambert, brother-in-law David Lambert (Karen) and numerous nephews and nieces in Omaha and California.

He is also survived by his loving first family, the descendants of Chauncey and Jane Beagle, their daughters; Cathy, Muff, Sara, and Beth, and their families, who lovingly cared for Bob after the death of his first wife, Barbara Beagle, and who have ever since lovingly embraced Bob's second family with Janie.

Our hearts are broken, but we know that he is living in heaven with loved ones and Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Graveside services were previously held at Green Mountain Cemetery, Boulder. A memorial service will be held at Ascent Community Church in Louisville, on Thursday, July 16, at 2 PM.