Robert Alan Armstrong

Robert (Bob) Alan Armstrong, age 90, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024. Bob was born August 18, 1933, in Lewistown, Montana, the firstborn of Earl and Clarice Armstrong. He was soon joined by sisters Sandra and Janet. As a boy, Bob loved to fish and learned to become an excellent marksman.

Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1951 at age 18. He spent the first year in Guam at an electronics training facility, then served the remainder of his naval service as an Electronics Technician aboard the cruiser USS Manchester, patrolling western Pacific waters during the Korean War. His naval service ended in 1959.

After the Navy, Bob embarked on a 33-year career at IBM in San Jose, CA. He started as a field engineer, and due to his keen mind and problem-solving expertise, he quickly rose through the ranks, at one point overseeing 250 employees. He was often sent overseas (Paris, Tokyo, London, Geneva, etc.) to solve tough IT issues for IBM clients.

In 1969 Bob married Louella Teresa Marmaras. Together they built a loving partnership, filled with art, nature, motorhome travel, and cocker spaniels. When Bob retired from IBM in 1993, they moved to Tucson, AZ. Here they each explored their artistic talents, Bob with his exquisite woodworking and bowl turning, and Lou with her painting. They eventually settled in Grand Junction, CO, drawn to the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. Bob was a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited. One summer he and Lou restored the historic Forest Service cabin at the east fork of the Hermosa River, cutting boards by hand and laboring side by side. They enjoyed 45 years together before Lou’s passing in 2015.

In addition to flyfishing and woodworking, Bob was an excellent cook, sometimes using mushrooms he’d collected on the Grand Mesa. He was a man of few words who loved good food, good wine, and good friends. This remarkable man, committed husband, and faithful friend would be delighted to be remembered as you pet a dog, feed the birds, catch a trout, or enjoy a glass of wine.

Bob and Lou will ultimately be interred at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Art Center of Western Colorado, HopeWest, or Trout Unlimited.