Robert James Cordova

Bob was born to Lola Cordova in Fountain Colorado. His father Richard Cordova was tragically killed in an automobile accident before Bob was born. He was raised with his older brother Richard by their mother and grandma and grandpa Lujan. Bob learned how to work hard at the very young age of 12 years stocking shelves and sweeping floors at Mr. Martin's store in Fountain. He graduated from Fountain High School in 1955.

After graduating high school, he was a drywall worker in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Bob loved rodeos and would ride saddle broncs in Las Cruces, New Mexico on the weekends. He was drafted at the age of 23 in 1960 and served his country in the Army in Albuquerque. Upon leaving the Army, Bob moved back to Colorado Springs and became a drywall contractor and the owner of Cordova Drywall.

Shortly after, he met the love of his life Carolyn Bauscher and they were married April 5, 1969. Bob continued his career in the drywall business until he was in his 40's at which time he decided to become a full-time cattle rancher. He also worked hard to become a pilot and owned and flew his own Cessna 182 airplane.

In addition to being a rancher, he dedicated a vast amount of time being a steward of conservation. He served as the secretary/treasurer of the El Paso Conservation District for 40 years as well as the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts and The National Resources Conservation Service. He worked on numerous farm bills in Washington D.C. over an 18-year period and worked in 47 of the 50 states. Bob was often sought out for advice due to his vast knowledge of water rights and conservation. He was well known throughout the country as an expert.

Bob was always very proud of his Spanish heritage and loved to speak Spanish whenever the opportunity arose.

Bob is survived by his niece Marilyn Hogan of New Castle, CO. and his nephew Richard Cordova Jr. of Manitou Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Carolyn Cordova, his mother Lola Felland and his brother Richard Cordova.