Robert "Bob" Dale Elder

Dr. Robert “Bob” Elder passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025 at the age of 93. He is survived by his sons Stephen Elder (Jane) of Colorado Springs, Samuel Elder of Dodgeville, Wisconsin and Scot Elder (Brooke) of Dolores, Colorado; brother James Elder (Mary Ann) of Bernalillo New Mexico; granddaughters Emily Elder, Taylor Moore (Evan), Cameron Elder, Kit Elder, and Jordan Cutrone (Tyler); grandson Lance Elder; great grandsons Lincoln Moore, Camden Elder and Jamey Moore; nephews Jay Elder, David Elder and Michael Elder; niece Tara Shively; and several great-grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Johanna Tolk Elder, his sisters Mary Elder and Laura Pogue, his brother John Elder, and niece Debra Elder.

Bob was born in Amarillo, Texas on June 30, 1932. His family moved to Clayton, New Mexico in 1947. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1950, earned a BA from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1956, a Masters of Psychology from CU Boulder in 1959 and his Clinical Psychology Doctorate from the University of Washington Seattle in 1964.

After his education and Army service as an instructor for the Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth New Jersey, Bob improved the health and lives of thousands in his roles of clinical psychologist, professor, and academic administrator.

Dr. Elder’s 40-year career included serving as a health professional in a residential treatment facility for severely asthmatic children, a veterans’ hospital, two large state hospitals, a diagnostic and treatment center for adolescents, a variety of primary and secondary public schools, two community health centers and his own private practice. He was an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Colorado Denver, becoming the Assistant Dean and ultimately the Chief Administrator of the College of Natural and Physical Sciences at UCD.

For his own mental and spiritual health, Bob vigorously sought time outdoors as an avid hiker, climber, skier, golfer and fisherman. He was a diehard and vocal Denver Broncos and Dolores Bears fan. But his greatest love was his quiet and unassuming role of “Grandpa Bob” to his loving family and friends.

A celebration of Grandpa Bob’s life will be held at Scot and Brooke’s home, 14280 Road 28, Dolores, on September 14th at 12pm. All are invited and encouraged to come enjoy lasagna and the yard Bob loved to mow and tend. Please consider memorial donation to the Dolores Boosters Club, PO Box 2286, Dolores CO 81323 (Venmo @Doloresboosterclub) or Colorado Trout Unlimited coloradotu.org