Robert K. "Bob" Rohwer

Robert K. "Bob" Rohwer of Santa Fe passed away peacefully January 4, 2018 from complications of MDS blood disorder after a brief hospital stay. He was 92.
Bob was born September 29, 1925, and grew up in Boulder, Colorado; Edmonton, Canada; and Trinidad, British West Indies. He graduated from University of Colorado with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After serving in the Navy at the very end of WWII, he worked several Engineering jobs in Colorado, and then took a job with the Los Alamos National Laboratory that he thought would last "a few years". He ended up working for LANL from 1949 to 1995, and received numerous awards for excellent performance. After he retired the first time, he continued to work for LANL as a contractor for many more years.
He married Audrey in 1948. They had two children, Jerry and "Kay", who they raised in Los Alamos. As a family, they enjoyed skiing, camping, sailing, and road trips to National Parks. Bob was very involved in the early development of the Pajarito Ski Area, and was active in National Ski Patrol. He was also a mountain biker, when those types of bicycles were first becoming popular.
After Audrey's death in 1986 in Los Alamos, he built a passive solar house in White Rock, where he lived for about 9 years before moving to Santa Fe full time.
He married Inge Allen in 1991, and gained delightful adult step-daughters Susi and Nicki. Bob and Inge enjoyed cruises, and numerous international tours to Africa, Europe and Central America. They also enjoyed the Santa Fe art scene, and continued skiing for many years.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Helen Rohwer, brother George Rohwer, first wife Audrey A. Rohwer, and second wife Inge Allen Rohwer. Bob is survived by brother Richard Rohwer, sister Nancy Rivera; children Jerry Rohwer (Joan) and Kay Zillich; grandchildren Shadd Rohwer, Tobi Rohwer (Alison), and Will Zillich; two great granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was a delightful, unique and brilliant character. He was a "walking encyclopedia" on many diverse topics because he was an avid reader. We remember him for his great generosity, vibrant story-telling, zest for life, and remarkably positive attitude -- throughout his life and even on his last day. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Santa Fe at a future date. Notice of the event will be in the newspaper, and on the Berardinelli Funeral home website at www.berardinellifuneralhome.com
Donations in Bob's name can be made to Trust for Public Lands, NRDC or the charity of your choice.