Robin Hugh McKinnies, (“Rob”), was born on September 10, 1926 in Idaho Springs, Colorado. His father, Gene, born in Littleton was just twenty years old when Rob was born. Gene worked for a short stint at his father’s Ford Garage. Later, Gene became a long-time employee of the US Postal Service. His mother, Anna Wells Smith, from Chicago, Illinois was nineteen years old at Rob’s birth. She devoted herself to raising their family, at times teaching piano. Rob’s parents moved to Denver when he was just one year old.
Rob was the oldest of four children and is preceded in death by Doris Ann, and Alice Jean. He is survived by his youngest sister, Mary Lou.
Rob lived on South Sherman Street in Denver until he finished High School. In later years, he still remembered vivid details about his neighborhood, recounting stories about his friends, their siblings and their homes.
In his elementary school years he was an esteemed member, and perhaps co-founder of the Platte Park Pirates, a neighborhood gang. He possessed the title of “Doc” in the gang because he carried the first-aid tin with a band aid and a string for a tourniquet in case of a serious injury.
Perhaps to escape piano lessons from his mother, Rob joined the marching band in Junior High. He chose the trombone because he could march in the front row where the instrument’s slide would not hit other members.
He attended South High School where he lettered in basketball, baseball and football. He was the tight end on the football team that won the All City Championship. He enlisted in the Navy prior to graduation in 1944.
Rob served in the US Navy, attending basic training in the Great Lakes area, and radio tech training in Texas. He was stationed in Alameda, California in the air tower as a radio tech when the war ended. His father, drafted at age 39, and stationed nearby, worked in the Army Post Office.
Rob returned to Denver after the war and attended the University of Denver where he earned a BA in Business Administration.
He married Margaret June Ammann in January, 1948 in Denver while attending DU. They moved to 1201 E Virginia Ave., across from Washington Park, where they began their family. They had three children: Christopher Robin, Mark Hugh, and Margaret Ann. The family moved to Littleton in 1961.
Rob’s employment began at the Rainbow Bread Company, where he worked for several years. He then moved to Western Battery and also sold insurance for a time. Rob tried teaching Junior High but hated being relegated to teach typing and lunchroom duty. He then settled into a position at the Rio Grande Company as Book Keeper/Office Manager and was employed there for 25 years.
Rob married Arlene Rose Hokr in December 1972 in Las Vegas. They enjoyed many years together. Her oldest son, Mark Rawdon had left the house by then, and Rob considered her younger children, Tami and Dayna as his own. Arlene passed in December 2012. One of the highlights of Rob and Arlene’s relationship was traveling together. Together they were members of the Sixteen Club, an informal social club.
Rob retired from Rio Grande Company and shortly thereafter took a part time job at Duffy for another 15 years.
Rob loved the Denver Bears and the Rockies. His relationship with the Broncos wavered from frustration to admiration. He was also a long-time member of the Mile High Optimist Club and involved in its many community outreach efforts.
Rob will be remembered by his family and many others as a loving and devoted friend, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Our lives have all been touched by his kind and gentle spirit.
To view his slideshow, please visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YU-pEGf9WwhczuZ-OoBg38GeFjWess_J/view
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