Robert Joseph Egan

Robert Joseph Egan, known to many as "Bob," passed away on February 9, 2025, in Westminster, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 21, 1947, in New Richmond, Wisconsin, and moved with his family to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in November 1948.

Bob graduated from Regis High School in Eau Claire in 1965 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in History from Wisconsin State University, Eau Claire, in 1969. During his college years, he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served from September 1969 to August 1973. As part of his service, he attended the Mandarin Air Force Aural Comprehension Program (MAFAC) and worked as a Chinese Mandarin radio communications translator while stationed in Japan and Korea. Bob’s eldest son, Bobby, was born while Bob was away at basic training.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1973, Bob moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he began working for the Veterans Administration. That same year, he met Sue Sawyer, and the two were married in 1977. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure, welcoming their children: Julie, Brian, and Debbie.

While working at the Veterans Administration, Bob attended Loyola University in Chicago and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1983 and then joined the Illinois Bar Association. After law school, he continued his work at the VA on the Rating’s Board and later became a Hearing Officer.

Bob’s career took him and his family to various places over the years. They moved to Colorado in 1986 before relocating to Minnesota in 1988. In 1991, they returned to Colorado, where Bob remained for the rest of his life. He retired from the Veterans Administration in 2004 after decades of dedicated service.

In retirement, Bob embraced an active and adventurous lifestyle. He spent many autumns traveling to the San Luis Valley to help with the potato harvest and found joy in hiking Colorado’s mountains—proudly conquering several fourteeners, including Long’s Peak. A lifelong runner, he completed two marathons in his earlier years. He enjoyed camping and in the winter would go snowshoeing. He could often be found at the gym or recreation center enjoying swimming, racquetball, pickleball, yoga, Pilates, or simply soaking in the hot tub.

Bob had an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for learning about nearly any subject. He was an avid reader who especially enjoyed history, biographies, and politics. His love of music was ever-present throughout his life. He also had a passion for gardening and took great pleasure in feeding birds—especially hummingbirds—and tending to flowers.

A true people person, Bob never met a stranger. He had a gift for striking up conversations with everyone he encountered and maintained friendships that spanned more than five decades. He discovered his love of dogs when he and Sue adopted Jiminy and Smudge. Bob and “the boys” were fixtures in their neighborhood. Bob was known for leaving dog treats on his fence post outside his home for all of the neighborhood dogs—a small but meaningful gesture that reflected his warm and generous spirit.

Among his many adventures was an unforgettable river rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. He was always prepared for whatever came next and seemed to know a little about everything—and a lot about many things.

Above all else, Bob cherished time spent with family and friends. His presence brought warmth and connection to those around him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sue Egan of Westminster, CO; son Bob (Rene’e) Egan of Valley Center, KS; daughter Julie (Will) Brake of Timnath, CO; son Brian (Valentina) Egan of Lakewood, CO; daughter Debbie (Avery) Wheeldon of Goodyear, AZ; grandchildren Michaela Egan, Mitchell Egan, Zach Brake, and Justin Brake; sister Estelle Douglas; brothers John (Sherry) Egan and Jim (Laurie) Egan; sister Mary Egan; and brother-in-law Norm Poteshman.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jean F. Egan and Estelle K. Egan; mother-in-law Florence Sawyer; sister-in-law Sharon Poteshman; brothers-in-law Sander Sawyer and Gale Douglas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2025, at The Ridge Recreation Center (6613 S Ward St, Littleton, CO 80127) —one of Bob’s favorite places—from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

In Lieu of Flowers please make a donation in Bob's name to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or the American Cancer Society