Robert Bush

Robert L. Bush

1944-2023

Fondly known to family and friends as “Bobby”, Robert was born in Boulder, CO, to
Harold Bush and Della (Santarelli) Bush, with younger brother Ronny later completing
their family.

Bob was a multi-generational Boulder native, with both his parents and grandparents
living and raising their families here. His Grandfather was a part-owner of the Black
Diamond Coal Mine in Lafayette, and later a beer joint called Santarelli’s Corner, which
he subsequently changed to the Lucky Inn, at 11 th and Pearl to “remove the family
name.” His father and uncle owned Bush’s Drive-In on Broadway, and his mother loved
her work selling women’s fashion at Brooks Fauber, and was affectionately known as
“Mom” by her clientele due to the great care she took with her customers.

Growing up in Boulder left an indelible mark on Bob. As part of this close-knit family, he
loved their gatherings, especially the early fishing, camping, and hiking trips around
Boulder and surrounding mountains. This is where his great love for the outdoors was
formed, exploring with his cousin Lloyd “Butch” Burch, who remained a true friend
throughout Bob’s life.

Bob attended Washington and Foothill Elementary, Casey Jr. High, and Boulder High
School, where he carried the distinction of Class Clown and Cub Sweetheart. A talented
athlete, he was an All-State center on the BHS Panther’s football team, along with
legendary teammates like Dick and Bobby Anderson, Hale Irwin, and Duke Prentup. He
graduated in 1963, counting many classmates as lifelong friends. Upon graduation, Bob
attended the University of Colorado on a football scholarship, and soon married the love
of his life, Dianne Schadegg, in 1966. As per family tradition, Bob was also a lifetime CU
Buffs football fan and supporter- So much so they decided to delay their wedding to
avoid getting married on a CU home gameday.

Beyond family, Bob had many passions in life, including skiing and golfing, but above all
was his love for fly fishing. He served on the board of Colorado Trout Unlimited, where
he was presented the Silver Trout Award for his service, as well as Boulder Flycasters,
where he was Flycaster of the Year more than 10 times since he became a member in
the 60’s. He also co-chaired the 2007 and 2008 National Flyfishing Championships. An
avid fly tier, his patterns were featured in many books on the subject, including his
never-fail Snowball Beetle.

For Bob, if he wasn’t with family, he was fishing… and his fishing buddies were like a 2 nd
family until his passing.

Throughout his career, Bob always did things his own way, starting as chief dishwasher
at Bush’s Drive-In, standing on Coke cases to reach the counter when he was a kid,
and working there throughout his high school years. After leaving CU, he worked at
NCAR as a senior graphic designer at the new Mesa Lab.

While at NCAR, Bob and his coworkers also spent their spare time in the fabrication
shop, creating their own aluminum-framed backpack and tent designs, which he would
test in the front yard. It was by chance that Dale Johnson, founder of Boulder’s
innovative outdoor brand Frostline Kits, stopped to ask about his creations. Dale was so
impressed that it led to a job as one of the first employees at the newly formed
company, where Bob spent more than a decade helping to build the brand into a
national success.

After Frostline, Bob founded his own graphic design studio, Concepts 3, where he
worked until he sold the business and retired.

Most importantly, Bob remained a devoted husband to Dianne through his passing,
marking almost 57 years. Over that time, Bob and Dianne also shared a love of building
and personalizing many Boulder homes to fit their place in life at each stage, with the
last built along with a group of friends on 3rd and Canyon, which was featured in both the
New York Times and Sunset Magazine.

He was also a loving father and grandfather to his son Troy Bush and his children Chloe
and Charlotte, and to Trent and Stacy Bush, and their children Astrid and Trent Jr., all
residing in Boulder. Bob is also survived by his brother Ronny and sister-in-law Alli Bush
of Ft. Collins, as well as many close cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Until his passing, Bob embodied a love of life and family, with a joyful spirit that was
infectious. For Bobby, while it wasn’t always easy, it WAS always right, and he remains
an inspiration to those whose lives he touched.

There will be a celebration of life for Bob at NCAR on December 15, 2:30 p.m.

Contributions in Bob’s memory could be made to BoulderFlycasters who do important
conservation and outreach work, (www.boulderflycasters.org/donate) or Dignity Hospice
(400 E 84th Ave. W-202 Thornton, CO, 80229)