Robert Behrman

1922 - 2015

Judge Robert A. Behrman died on July 16, 2015 in Denver. He was born to Charles and Cecilia Behrman on January 5, 1922 in Casper, Wyoming. He moved with his parents to Greeley where his parents operated Behrman's Ladies Ready-to-Wear store in downtown Greeley. Judge Behrman served as a military intelligence officer during and after World War II in China and Japan, becoming fluent in both Mandarin and Japanese. He received his undergraduate education at Yale University and received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1950, returning to practice law as a solo practitioner in an office located above his parent's store. The store's long term sales clerk became Judge Behrman's lifetime assistant, Shirley Stow, working first as his secretary and later as his Division Clerk. He served as a part time Deputy District Attorney in the early 1950's, before there was even a full time district attorney in Weld County. Judge Behrman was appointed as a District Court Judge in the late 1960's and was later appointed as Chief Judge for the 19th Judicial District in Weld County as well as the Division I Water Judge in 1978, serving in such capacity until his retirement in 1993. After his retirement, he enjoyed the Colorado Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and extensive foreign travel. Judge Behrman was a member of the Weld County Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, American Bar Association and prestigious American Law Institute. He was a lifetime member of the Beth Israel Congregation in Greeley. A graveside service will be held at 12:30PM on Sunday at Mount Nebo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Israel Congregation, PO Box 867, Greeley, CO 80632 or Weld County Bar Association, Inc. PO Box 1029, Greeley, CO 80632.