Robert deKieffer Obituary

Robbie deKieffer's family and friends - really, everyone he met - knew him as a kind, generous, smart man with a big heart and a deep love for Boulder, his hometown. He loved unconditionally and was loved in return. He also struggled with depression, and on June 26, 2015, Robert Coffin deKieffer took his own life on the east Boulder farm he shared with his wife Kitty for 30 years. He was 60. A celebration of Robbie's life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Boulder Country Club, 7350 Clubhouse Road, Boulder. All are invited. Robbie was born June 25, 1955 in Boulder to Robert Eulette deKieffer and Melissa Hibbard deKieffer. He attended Burke Elementary School, Platt Middle School and Fairview High School, and earned degrees in environmental design and business from the University of Colorado Boulder. Robbie met Kitty, a California transplant, at the Solar Energy Research Institute, now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden. They married on their farm on May 18, 1985. He was considered one of the nation's foremost experts on residential energy conservation, and was named recently by Vice President Joe Biden as one of just 12 people tasked with crafting a new national energy policy. Robbie was an Eagle Scout and served as a Cub Scout leader in Boulder. He was a singer, performer and treasurer with Up With People! for two years and was a member of the CU-Boulder Directors Club and Boulder Country Club. He loved to travel with Kitty, including their trip to Europe in May to celebrate their 30th anniversary. He loved being outdoors and working with the cattle on the farm. He also was proud that remnants of the last fort in Boulder County stood on the farm- built in 1864, it was a waypoint for travelers on their way to Fort Chambers. The world has lost one of its kindest and most loving people. Robbie always lit up the room and will be deeply missed by all. He is survived by Kitty deKieffer and his son Hunter deKieffer, both of Boulder; his mother Melissa deKieffer of Boulder; a brother, Jim deKieffer and his wife Susie, of Elizabeth, Colo.; sister-in-law Nancy deKieffer and her children Nathan and Amanda, of McLean, Virginia; mother-in-law Beverly Cannon of Irvine, Calif.; and brother-in-law Craig Cannon and his family, Jana, Keith, and Kyle, of Archie, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Donald E. deKieffer. Memorial contributions may be made through the University of Colorado Foundation. Please direct contributions to the Robert C. deKieffer Memorial Fund for the School of Environmental Design and send to: University of Colorado Foundation, PO Box 17126, Denver, CO 80217-9155

Published by The Daily Camera on Jul. 5, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert deKieffer

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I am deeply saddened for your loss. Rob was such a pleasure to work with and know. Kitty I honestly pray that you and hunter stay strong. He loved his family more than most. My deepest sympathies from my family to yours. Cindy Medina.

cindy medina

July 29, 2015

I am deeply saddened for your loss. Rob was such a pleasure to work with and know. Kitty I honestly pray that you and hunter stay strong. He loved his family more than most. My deepest sympathies from my family to yours. Cindy Medina.

cindy medina

July 29, 2015

Robby was my first official 4th grade boyfriend largely because he gave me my first official valentine. It was homemade. A blue wooden door with a knob was attached to a piece of cardboard painted red with hearts glued on it. You opened the door and on the inside it said "I ADORE YOU", Happy Valentines Day, Robby. Very clever! He always made me laugh, grade school, all the way through to reunions. We were friends and I am lucky to have known him. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Tammy May (Taggart) Baseline Elem., Burbank Jr. High, Fairview High '73.

Tammy May (Taggart)

July 21, 2015

So sorry to hear about Rob. I will always remember the first time I met him in the late 80's. He was always a smiling face that I was happy to see at energy conferences.
Lil Weston, Richmond, VA

July 21, 2015

Dear Rob's family,

I first met Rob at Burbank Junior High in about 1967. We had choir together and other classes through the years, up until college graduation. I adored him, and rather consider him to have been my first love. He always had a smile, and I will never forget going out to the farm to see the puppies that one of the family retriever's had had when we were in high school. We completely lost touch after college, but I heard about his accomplishments in later years. I know he will be missed greatly, and my prayers are with you all. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Nancy Crary Lavalleur, Fairview High Class of 1973

Nancy Crary Lavalleur

July 16, 2015

Kitty,
I am so sorry for the tremendous loss of your beloved husband. I am sorry I never met him, but I know he must have been a really great person. So many kind words have been said about him, and your tribute was very touching. He will definitely be missed by many, many people, foremost you, your son, and his family. It's so hard to know what to say at times like this. Just know that you there are so many people who love you, and care about you, and would do anything to take away this pain, including me. Take care.
From your forever sister in the bond,
Karen xo

Karen Hearn

July 13, 2015

Kitty and Hunter, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Robbie. Your obituary is a fabulous tribute to his life. He is smiling down on you. Hugs from Indiana. - Kathy George

July 12, 2015

Dear Kitty: I'm sorry I never met Rob. Truly my loss. How fortunate that he had you and such a loving family in his life. And thank you for your courageous obituary. Even though you're no longer at MHP, you're still making the world a better place for people struggling with behavioral health issues. You are an amazing woman!
With love,
Susan Wortman

Susan Wortman

July 10, 2015

Kitty I am so very sorry to hear about Rob it was such a pleasure to work with you both at Seri prayers for you and your family

Fay Hoover

July 10, 2015

Dear Kitty and Melissa, May loving memories bring you peace and strength. My deepest sympathy for your loss,
Jana Lynn

July 10, 2015

I met Rob back in the mid-80s when he arrived at our workplace for a furnace training. We have been friends ever since and always greeted each other warmly at conferences and trainings. I enjoyed his energy and knowledge greatly. I will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to his family. -Kevin Grothe

Kevin Grothe

July 10, 2015

Dear Kitty,
Please know that you and your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincerest condolences for an incredibly great loss. I'll never forget the Robbie DeKieffer I knew at Fairview HS and then in Up with People.There are so many great memories...We are praying for you at this time of great loss. Reed and Jennifer Thompson

July 9, 2015

My deepest sympathies to Kitty and the family of Rob. He was a deeply rooted native who gave so much to this city and state.

Benita Duran

July 8, 2015

I knew Rob when I was with Engle Homes and as the Building Official for Parker. He was always very kind, helpful and most of all down to earth. Rob was one of many who helped builders (and my department) in Parker make the transition to proper HVAC design, installation and testing. THANK YOU ROB!!!

Gil Rossmiller

July 7, 2015

Rob was a pillar of the energy efficiency community, in Colorado and nationwide. My condolences and sympathies go out to his family and all of his friends. I first met Rob in probably 1987 when he was involved with the Colorado Weatherization program. I always liked listening to him talk about his farm in Boulder County, it seemed to be a place of grounding and comfort to him no matter what else was going on. What a shock. What a loss. We've all lost a good friend and a good guy.
Steve Getz

July 7, 2015

I am very sorry to hear this. I worked quite a bit with Rob when he was at SUNpower and I was at SERI/NREL doing research on Mobile Homes for the Low Income Weatherization Program. Rob provided wonderful hands-on training on gas furnaces, and just about everything I know about GFA came from Rob's training sessions. Rob was part of the core repository of residential retrofit knowledge in Colorado and the U.S. and I think very fondly back to the time when I worked with Rob, and other energy efficiency gurus like Rick Hanger, Denis Brachfield, Rob De-Soto, John Krigger, Cal Steiner, Jack Laverty, Gary Nelson et. al.. Because of the knowledge that Rob freely shared, we were able to show a large potential for saving energy in mobile homes, and actually saved the mobile home portion of the Federal Low Income Weatherization Program from being dismantled. Wherever Rob is now, I'm sure he brought a few old furnaces with him.

July 7, 2015

Rob was a guiding light in the weatherization of hundreds of homes in Colorado, specifically in Denver. He did good in his life, and he will be missed.

Amy Hollander

July 7, 2015

I am so glad I got to see and hug Robbie last October! As young cousins, he would play with me when we came to Boulder to visit. We loved the "fort". Of my 3 cousins, he looks the most like my Dad did... I loved seeing him last Fall with all the family. I send my condolences to Kitty, Hunter, Aunt Melissa and all the family. He will be sorely missed! I wish you peace in the great beyond...
Christine deKieffer Morgan

July 7, 2015

My sincerest condolences to your family, Kitty.
terry tedeschi

July 7, 2015

My sincerest condolences to Rob's family.

July 7, 2015

My sincerest condolences to Rob's family. terry tedeschi

July 7, 2015

I am so sorry to hear this news. He was a good man and will be missed. See ya in heaven Rob.

-Skip

July 7, 2015

Jim & family,
So sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace.
Gayle Goens Asbury & Jerry Asbury (FHS '66)

Gayle Asbury

July 7, 2015

My heart is broken to loose such a treasure in this world. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kittl and Rob and his mum. So sorry Sending love Judy Greenan

July 6, 2015

Rob was such a wonderful, caring person. He was on our HOA board and really did a great job. I have been feeling sad all week because of his death. I will keep you in my prayers.

Jeanine Richmond

July 6, 2015

Kitty, Hunter and All,
In the last three weeks, I was reaching out to re-connect with Rob and when Steve Andrews said he doesn't always return calls, I said to myself, I'll just come and know on his door the next time I'm in Colorado. But I guess not. Hunter your mom will remember the we all met at SERI during those wonderful times so many years ago and that Rob and I worked together off and on in the energy efficiency world until I moved back to my native CA. I will always love him and miss him too.
Bruce Baccei, Sacramento, CA

Bruce Baccei

July 6, 2015

kitty and hunter....I was informed of your loss on my birthday the 29th, just after robby's. we were great high school and boy scout friends! I spent many a night out at the farm in the old fort. we camped together and chased fish in the creek through your property. skiing at lake Eldora, nights in the cabin above barker reservoir. I regret we lost touch over the years. I will be in boulder as it turns out on the 12th. I hope to meet you.

Dana Morton

July 6, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family during this difficult time. Rob always had a big infectious smile that I know will be missed. Rest in peace.

Don Martin

July 6, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family. The grief death leaves at times may seem unbearable. As you cherish the memories in the days ahead, may you be comforted by the words found at 2 Kings 20:5, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I am healing you."

Jennifer

July 5, 2015

Kitty and Hunter,
My heart goes out to you, Rob was a beautiful person and will be missed. I am thinking of you both.
JanMcHugh-Smith

Jan McHugh

July 5, 2015

Rob was a lovely, kind and funny presence in our lives. He will be missed. Terre Rushton and Chuck Sisk

Terre Rushton Sisk

July 5, 2015

Rob was a dear friend in high school. I send my prayers to his family at this difficult time. Ricki Hetherington

July 5, 2015

My prayers are with Rob's family during this tough time. I came to know Rob at the Affordable Comfort Conferences. He was a warm and welcoming person to someone new to the Residential Energy Industry. He made me feel comfortable, and was a great technical resource. I am one of many people that can thank Rob for this. I hope that his family can take comfort in knowing this.

July 4, 2015

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12

Celebration of Life

3:30 p.m.

Boulder Country Club

7350 Clubhouse Road, Boulder, CO

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