Bob Knous, who lived his life passionately enjoying Colorado's wonders with his family, passed peacefully on June 7, 2024 in his beloved Southwest Colorado, surrounded by blue skies, fresh air and the pinyon junipers.  Bob will be remembered for his giant heart, vision for possibility, commitment to making the world a better place, deep gratitude for his blessings and most importantly, unmeasurable love for his daughter Kim, granddaughters (Finley, Selby and Olive) and the love of his life, Caroline Fisher. He referred to these cherished family members as his "5 Why's" and the roles of dad and grandfather were his highest priority and joy.

Bob's family roots reach back to the 1880's in Ouray, Colorado, and as a fourth generation Coloradoan, Colorado was his brand in every sense. Bob, the grandson of Colorado Governor, William Lee Knous, and son of Lt. Governor Robert Knous, completed his entire education in the State of Colorado via the Denver Public Schools, University of Colorado (where he lettered in basketball) and University of Denver School of Law. Through the decades, he devoted his professional and personal endeavors to making a positive difference in the Mile High State.

Bob maximized enjoyment of this special state through his love of all-things-outdoors including fishing, hiking, golf, camping, horse back riding, gardening and Colorado sports of nearly every flavor. He had a deep appreciation for Colorado history and music, and was an avid collector of western art in all forms. His 120 year-old cabin outside of Conifer allowed him and his "5 Why's" to regularly escape to the beauty and stillness of Colorado's natural world.

Sharing his love of Colorado with the granddaughters was of top importance to him and Grandpa's annual adventures featured everything from the annual National Western Stock show to the Colorado Ski Train, exploration of Colorado state parks, regular visits to the Colorado History Museum, road trips to all parts of the state and "Grandpa's Mystery Adventures" which could lead the "5 Why's" absolutely anywhere.

He hails from a lineage of difference makers in the state – and etched his own professional mark on the Columbine State as well, as President of the Vail Valley Foundation, 1989 World Alpine Ski Championships, Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Colorado Ski Country USA, senior aide to Governor Richard Lamm, and as a partner with award winning East West Partners.  An especially valued legacy was the construction and completion of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, named after the 38th President of the United States. Today, it is the summer home to Vail International Dance Festival and Bravo! Colorado.

Bob's last professional stop was with awarding winning East West Partners in Beaver Creek, Denver and Breckenridge. He delighted in playing a humble, but significant part in these projects.  Learning, growing, sharing and creating quality real estate projects that reflected best environmental practices, proper density, that reflected classic Colorado, made him proud.

He was a member of the Colorado Bar Association and was a committed volunteer at the Veterans Hospital, Denver Rescue Mission and Project Angel Heart. In retirement, he was a 14-year substitute teacher in the Denver Public Schools, focusing on grades K-3, where kids were surprised to see a 6'5" gray haired man walk in the room!

Our world is a better place because of Bob's presence and impact.  He reminded us all to maximize moments, travel to grow and more fully embrace differences in our world, leave things better than we found them, maintain a heart of generosity, show up with love and not to postpone joy.  He lived his life story with intention and purpose and his spirit will continue to thrive in our lives, always.

A CELEBRATION OF A COLORADO LIFE WELL LIVED WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SUMMER UNDER THE BLUE SKIES, WARM SUN AND CRISP AIR, NEAR THE SOUND OF RUSHING WATER. AS BOB WOULD SAY, "ONWARD WE GO, TOGETHER".

Donations can be directed to: Vail Valley Foundation P.O. Box 6550 Avon, CO 81620, Mesa Verde Foundation 8600 Ralston Road, Suite 100 Arvada, CO 80002. Any Organization Dedicated to Protecting the Democracy of Our Nation