Robert "Bob" Sanchez

Bob passed away on May 8, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home in Thornton, CO. Bob was a loving father, friend, veteran, outdoorsman, music lover, and pool player. He will be fondly remembered for his wit, his smile, his laughter, and his strength. Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob was born on November 2, 1941 in Longmont, CO to Nick Sr and Rena Sanchez. He spent his youth in Erie, CO. Bob joined the U.S. Army in 1959, serving as a paratrooper at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Bob returned to Colorado after his military service. He married the love of his life, Annabel Lucero, in 1964 and would spend the next 58 years with her at his side. Together they raised four children: Barbara, Robert, Darlene, and Rose. They have been blessed with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Bob loved the serenity of the great outdoors. He spent countless hours fishing the rivers and lakes of Colorado, and was even able to get a few fishing days under his belt in 2022. Bob knew all the best spots to fish and had a gift for coaxing even the most elusive fish to join his catch. He had many favorite spots, and was a frequent visitor to Grand Lake, Lake John, and Horsetooth Reservoir. He was also an avid hunter, pursuing elk, deer, pheasant, and other small game.

Bob’s knack for luring fish was matched only by his ability to spot a winning slot machine. Bob would regularly visit Blackhawk, and his frequent good luck can only be attributed to skill. However, Bob never revealed his secrets for winning.

Bob was a cyclist, and was known for riding impressive distances. He often rode from his home in Thornton to Fort Collins, and then back, visiting a few of his favorite landmarks and towns along the way. He also enjoyed mountain biking on the trails that fill the beautiful front range Rockies.

Music was another passion of Bob’s. He was a guitar player and enjoyed playing songs for his family. His children would often catch him dancing, or “boogying” as he called it. Bob had lots of dance moves, and always danced with a smile on his face and an infectious positive energy. He had a broad appreciation for many types of music; he particularly enjoyed old school rock n’ roll, many genres of Spanish music, and loved attending live concerts.

Bob was proud of all his professions. After serving honorably in the military, Bob worked as both a coal and a hard rock miner. He later joined the street department at the City of Thornton, where he worked until he retired. After retirement, Bob still had a desire to work, and so he briefly became a heavy machine operator.

Bob is survived by his wife Annabel Sanchez, daughters Barbara Hemsley, Darlene Bochert, and Rose McTurnan, and son Robert Sanchez Jr; his grandchildren Paul, Nicole, Ryan, and Aiden; great grandchildren Kiernan, and Juniper; sisters Virginia Mata, Vivian Sanchez, and brother Nick Sanchez Jr and many nephews and nieces.

Bob’s services on Friday, May 27, 2022 will be as follows:

11am to 12pm - Memorial Service at Olinger Highland – Heritage Hall

12pm to 2pm - Reception at Olinger Highland – Heritage Hall

2pm or 2:15pm - Travel Time, no formal procession to Ft. Logan - Arrive by 2:45pm

3pm to 3:30pm - Fort Logan committal service, military honors & services

Olinger Highland–Heritage Hall - 10201 North Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229

Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area A - 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236 - Use Sheridan Blvd. north entrance, take first right onto Kansas St. for Staging Area A. Line up cars until procession to pavilion for services.

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