He was in the loving care of his wife, Stephanie at their home in Greeley, CO.
Born on July 28, 1934 in Long Beach, CA, Bob was the son of Paul and Lily Benard. Bob grew up in Holbrook and graduated from Holbrook High School in 1953. While in high school, Bob started working at the JCPenney store as a stock boy, which would mark the start of his impressive 46-year career with JCPenney. After graduating high school, Bob married Stephanie Saiz. They were married in 1958 with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Together, they raised three daughters: Elaine, Michele, and Robin, instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, and hard work.
After being drafted, Bob served our country in the Army during the Korean War. His brief military service brought him to many places abroad. After his service, he returned to Holbrook. He and Stephanie moved to El Paso, TX, where Bob was promoted to Department Manager at the JCPenney store. It was in El Paso where their three daughters were born. Bob's career then led him to Las Vegas, NM, where he was promoted to Manager of the JCPenney Store. Bob continued to excel, which led he and his family moving to Greeley, CO. Bob was named the Manager of the JCPenney store in downtown Greeley. Bob was well known in the Greeley community, involved in many community activities, and serving on various boards and local Rotary. From Greeley, Bob was transferred to Liberal, KS, where he managed the JCPenney store. Several years later, Bob retired from JCPenney and the company celebrated his distinguished career with a grand party held in Denver, CO. He was humble about his career, but others will tell you he was very proud to work for JCPenney. Bob and Stephanie returned to Greeley in 1994 where they lived a quiet retirement.
Bob and Stephanie did everything together, they loved their mornings on the back porch, drinking coffee, reading the paper, taking walks, and spending time with family and friends. Bob loved being a grandfather. He was an endearing personality to all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Bob is survived by his wife, Stephanie; daughters, Elaine (Comstock), Michele (Erler), and Robin (Reynolds); his grandchildren, Jeremiah and Brandon Comstock, Brian and Lindsey Erler, Alexandria and Zachary Reynolds; many great-grandchildren; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lily; and his brother, Leonard.
A small and private Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at Stoddard Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
