Robert E. Perich

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert (Bob) E. Perich. Bob died Saturday, November 23, 2024, at home with his family. Bob was born in Leadville Colorado on July 9, 1941, to Nick and Mary Perich joining his two older brothers John and Nick. Bob's dad was a coal miner, and the family lived between Leadville and Oak Creek depending on where the mines were operating. In 1954 Bob and his parents moved to Craig where he met his future bride at a junior high school basketball game. Bob graduated from Moffat County High School in 1959. He and Jeanette were married June 23, 1962, in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Craig. In 1964, they moved to Grand Junction where Bob was anxious to begin his education. He worked full time in various grocery stores and went to school full time. He graduated with an associate degree from Mesa College in 1967. After his graduation, he, and Jeanette along with their two little boys, Scott and Steve, moved to Fort Collins so he could continue his education at CSU. Their daughter Christine was born in March 1969. He graduated with honors in June of that year with a bachelor's degree in business administration and was immediately hired as a buyer by Hewlett Packard in Loveland. He held several positions during his 30 years with the company and was one of the original group that came to Fort Collins to establish the Fort Collins Division. He retired as the general manager of that division in 1999. During his time with the company, he served on the CSU President's Leadership Council. He also served on the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance, the Northern Colorado Manufacturing Council, and the Fort Collins Symphony Board. He was instrumental in bringing quality assurance techniques to the City of Fort Collins and the Poudre School District. In 2000 he received the Collins Award presented by the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his commitment to the community.
Bob suffered his first heart attack at the age of 38, and was one of the first members of Dr. Luckison's "Attack Pack." He was part of the CSU Adult Fitness Program for many years and eventually migrated to a health club where he enjoyed many friendships.
Bob was a man of honor and integrity with an incredible work ethic, quick wit, and sense of humor. Bob loved his family and was so proud of his children as he watched them grow into the wonderful adults they became. In his last days, he spoke of his grandchildren and great grandchildren with such pride and joy. He will be deeply missed by his family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Mary Perich, his brother, John, and by Jeanette's parents, Sharp and Marie Lee. He is survived by his brother Nick, his wife of 62 years, Jeanette, his children Scott (Julie) and their children Brittany Correa (Kai), Nick Perich, Maddy Perich, Jovi Tarango (Karl), and Cole Lussenhop (Courtney); Steve (Denise) and their children Ryan Perich (Kinzi), Paige Mahanay (Sidney), and Mason Perich; Christine (Floris) and their children Matthew Ernst (Emily), Anna Vandenberg (Jesse), Dante Russo-Delee and Helena Russo-Delee. He is also survived by ten great-grandchildren and an expected eleventh in January.
A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Poudre Valley Hospital Intensive Care Unit who showed such kindness and care during Bob's last days.
Cremation has taken place with private interment at Grandview Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Bob was a strong believer in education and was proud that he, Jeanette, Scott, Steve, and Christine were CSU graduates. Donations can be made in Bob's honor to the Colorado State University Foundation with a notation for the Perich Family Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1870, Fort Collins, Colorado 80522 or to a charity of your choice.