Robert S Threlkeld

longtime public relations executive, avid golfer, and devout family man, died peacefully

Wednesday, October 19th, surrounded by family.

Bob was born at Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colorado on June 11, 1941, as the second son of

Harold and Betty Ann Threlkeld, He grew up in Colorado Springs and attended college at the

University of Colorado in Boulder.

After a short time as a teacher in Grand Junction, Bob joined the Peace Corps in 1966 where he

met and fell in love with his wife of 55 years, Beth. They served together in Sierra Leone before

marrying in Denver on February 11th, 1967. Later that year Bob and Beth welcomed their first of

three sons. They settled in Denver where Bob started his career as a journalist for the Rocky

Mountain News. In 1971, Bob was promoted as the Rocky’s Washington Correspondent in

Washington D.C. and the family moved to Arlington, VA. Upon returning to Denver in 1975, Bob

continued as a journalist and editorial writer for the Rocky and later the Denver Post. He was a

long serving member of the Denver Press Club and its Board, later joining the club’s Hall of

Fame.

In 1982, Bob left journalism to become a public relations executive with William Kostka and

Associates and then with the JohnstonWells Group. He was proud of his work with public policy

campaigns, developers like Koelble & Co, and crisis communication and media consultation for

many companies and organizations, most notably in healthcare.

Bob had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and recreation in and around Colorado, foremost

golf. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, road trips--most things except, somewhat proudly, skiing. Every

summer for 37 years the family loved to hike and fish and relax at a cabin outside of Glenwood

Springs. Bob and his wife played both golf and tennis extensively, even into the last year of his

life, and were part of a cherished tennis group including other media friends for decades. Avid

readers, Bob and Beth were part of a monthly book club with the same four couples since the

80s. Lifelong supporter of Colorado’s sports teams, Bob would cheer and bemoan them from his

chair, often with his sons and bemused wife.

Bob loved family gatherings, travel, Summer parties, and holidays. His dry wit and friendly

teasing, as well as his boundless curiosity, will be missed. He passes on a deep appreciation for

journalism, learning, and the arts. Bob is survived by his wife, Beth; sons Scott (Tricia), Tim (Patty), and Brian; grandchildren Helen, Joey, Molly, and Ella; and an older brother, Jim.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageAurora.com for the Threlkeld family.