ROBERT EMMETT O'DONNELL

Robert "Bob" Emmett O'Donnell, a beloved husband, brother and uncle passed away on Thursday March 7, 2024 in Parker, Colorado. Bob was born in Albany, New York, 1941, the oldest of six children of Dr. Thomas O'Donnell and Mary Ellen Savage O'Donnell.

Bob came to Colorado in 1958 to attend Regis College where he received his bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1962. He loved to sing and act in drama class, wrote for the yearbooks and newspapers, and hosted KREG radio.

Bob was an avid skier and was President of the Regis College ski team. He was a certified ski instructor near Lake Placid, New York and tore up the ski slopes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

After college and working in Denver in the food and beverage industry, Bob returned to upstate New York in 1964 to manage a restaurant and ski lodge that he and his father built known as the Alp Horn Inn and Stockade Lodge.

Bob worked for an international food service company that through a series of promotions and many moves around the country brought him back to Denver, Colorado where he met his wife Vikki in 1979. As Bob would put it today, he and Vikki have been Lovin' and Lustin' for 45 years.

Together, they opened their own specialty food brokerage and a commercial bakery. Bob was always the front man, the perfect salesman with his quick smile, a firm handshake and hug to all he met. When calling on restaurants, hotels or caterers, he always spoke to the staff as if they were long-time friends.

Bob and Vikki enjoyed sailing on their sailboat "Our Child" here in Colorado and chartered out of San Diego on "big water". Not surprising Bob was the Social Director of the Chatfield Yacht Club and wrote the monthly newsletter. Together, they completed all Coast Guard classes available that deepened their love for the sea.

Bob's final passion was as a Medicare agent with UnitedHealthcare where he truly loved all of his clients and cared deeply for their needs. He touched so many lives and missed his UnitedHealthcare Team when he retired.

Bob was always a giver, friend and confidant to all he encountered. Parties at the O'Donnell household were filled with food and drink, always flowing with abundance. He loved to entertain, had a quick contagious smile and a story to tell; maybe more than one. He was a great manger of people in business, teacher, trainer and inspiration to all.

He is survived by the love of his life that he spoiled continuously, his wife Vikki, his youngest brother John O'Donnell, 18 nieces and nephews and many, many great-nieces and great-nephews. Bob's "acquired" brothers throughout his long life are also many especially, Kevin Potts, David Erickson and his brother-in-law Leon Smith.

For everyone who knew Bob, he would want us to remember the great times together, laughs, jokes and his love for every one of us.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or CU Medical School in name of Robert O'Donnell where his final beautiful body donation rests, continuing to teach medical students.