Robert Scott Burchfield

Robert Scott Burchfield, 72, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on March 14, 2025, surrounded by his family after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Bob left his mark on everyone he met with his kind and patient nature, interesting knowledge of the world, and wonderful sense of humor.

Born on July 3, 1952, in Nashville, TN, Bob was raised in San Diego, CA, and Yuma, AZ, by his parents Robert I. and Clarabelle (Bremser) Burchfield. He graduated from Yuma High School in 1970, the University of Arizona in 1975 (BSME), and Regis University in Denver in 1996 (MSM).

He was proud to be employed for 42 years by Public Service of Colorado (now Xcel Energy) and to participate in a number of community organizations, including Cub Scouts of America, Pioneer Investment Club (Greeley, CO), Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (Greeley) – including as Chairman of its Trust Foundation – and Bethany Lutheran Church (Denver).

Bob met his wife, Judi (Hofmann), at U of A, and they were lovingly married for 48 years (1976). He is also survived by three children: daughter Meghan MacLean, her wife Rose, and children Saylor, Deacon, and Cassian; daughter Lara Burchfield, her husband William Draper, and children Emmett and Marin; son Josh Burchfield, his wife Torie, and children Augustus, Avery, and a third child expected in July. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Steve Schafer.

Bob saw the world through the analytical eyes of an engineer and with the creativity of an artist. First apparent in his childhood hobby of disassembling radios and other found objects, his natural curiosity about mechanics and the working processes of materials led him to a long career in engineering. Bob had a great appreciation for the arts and was an avid collector. He had his own darkroom to document his travels with photographs, and throughout his life enjoyed perusing antique stores for what he deemed “interesting” items and works of art for his office.

Bob loved to travel with family and friends, especially to Santa Fe, NM, Santa Barbara and Palm Springs, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Europe. He loved museums, Georgia O’Keefe, Star Trek, British television, Mexican food, Jazz music, Classic Rock, playing golf with his family, and racquetball with friends in his younger days. He is remembered by his children and grandchildren for making “hotcakes,” building “badger houses” with Legos, playing “spider and fly” at the park, camping around the beautiful state of Colorado, and showing his children Haley’s Comet.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on June 13, 2025 at 11 am at Bethany Lutheran Church in Denver, CO. An inurnment will take place on June 14 at 11 am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greeley, CO. Donations in memory of Bob Burchfield can be made to: Our Savior’s Lutheran Trust Foundation (Greeley, CO) and to the American Cancer Society.