Robert (Bob) Harrison Ashworth, 86, a Grand Gentleman and a Professional Pilot of Greeley, Colorado, passed away quietly on December 22, 2022. He was born on September 17, 1936 in Dayton, Ohio, to Harley and Ella Nora (Harrison) Ashworth.
Bob married Phyllis Jean (PJ) Lewis in 1955; sadly, she passed away in 1993. He married Laura Mae Rhodes in 1994; sadly. she passed away in 2016. Bob always felt blessed to have had two wonderful marriages in his life.
Growing up in Dayton, Bob graduated from Bethel High School. Pursuing a career in aviation, he became an Air Force Fighter Pilot for 10 years flying the F-84, F-100 and F-104 aircraft and qualifying as an Instructor Pilot for the F-104. After serving in the Air Force, Bob flew for United Airlines for 26 years achieving the rating of Captain, flying the Boeing 727 and 737 aircraft.
Bob lived in Greeley for over 50 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, an elite hiker and a skilled woodworker. He loved to camp, fish, garden, read, do puzzles and assemble models. Over 25 years, Bob tended to multiple apple trees in his backyard. He always took joy in having apples to give away during harvest.
Bob is listed on the Weld County Veterans Memorial at Bittersweet Park, Greeley, in the Cuban Missile Crisis section. He is also listed on The Wall of Honor at the Smithsonian in Washington DC; this monument dedicated to Retired United Airline Pilots who have a shared passion for flying. He loved being a regular reader for First Graders in Northern Colorado elementary schools.
Bob was preceded in death by his brother Bill Ashworth and sisters Pat Rote and Martha McDaniel. He is survived in life by his sisters Jan Williams and Nancy Yantis and his brother Dick Ashworth. He is also survived in life by his children: Wendy Tovado (Bob), Christy Miller (Tony), Kim Bartkus (Jim) and Brian Ashworth (Mary). Grandpa was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his many grandchildren and great grandchildren
Bob Ashworth lived life boldly with a ready smile. His final take-off on December 22 was truly to the Friendly Skies. He was a Grand Gentleman indeed!
In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to: High Plains Honor Flight, PO Box 363, Ault, Colorado 80610.
https://highplainshonorflight.org/donate
