Robert Knob

Robert Joseph Knob went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 10th. He passed away valiantly and peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born on April 30th, 1943 in Delta, CO to Jake and Monica Knob. The youngest of 5 siblings, Robert grew up tough and was always a fighter.

He graduated from Delta High School as an accomplished athlete. He was a four-time letterman in baseball, something he was very proud of. He also wrestled, as well as playing football and basketball during his time at Delta High.  As for scholastic accomplishments, that may be a different story. A quote from his high school yearbook, “My only books are women’s looks, and believe me I like to study”.

Robert entered the United States Army in 1963 and served in the communication division during his tenure. He trained in Georgia and spent a better portion of 3 years in Germany. He was able to visit numerous sites in Europe, a very special time in his life that he spoke fondly of. He made great friends and was proud to be a veteran of our Armed Services.

During this time, he began writing with the love of his life, Mary Baumbach. Initially mistaken for his sister, also Mary, he responded to a letter which rekindled a high school romance. They were married on July 20th, 1968. They spent over 52 years happily married and raised two children of which he adored. He and Mary loved playing cards and spending time with friends they met through the years, as well as adventuring the outdoors frequently.

Robert was also able to witness the lives of 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren during his time here. His children don’t believe we can count on one hand how many games or other activities he missed, one of the best “family” men you will have ever met.

Robert was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He owned numerous boats and campers through the years, his favorite being a pontoon boat and 5th wheel trailer that suited him perfectly. Many days you could find him on Vega Lake laughing and telling stories. In his younger years he loved riding and breaking horses. Poco and Snapper were his cherished horses, as well as their Yorkie “Ewok” later in life.

He was a wonderful gardener (farmer at heart) and always produced magnificent harvest and beautiful flowers. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with those near to him. He also loved the JUCO world series (through which he met lifelong friends), Mesa State/CMU sporting events and the Denver Broncos.

Robert, or “Bob” as many knew him, was employed with Canvas Products for over 32 years. He was incredibly proud of his work and was complimented regularly on his dedication and attention to detail. We remember him regularly going out of his way for his clients and showing off the things he had built. Boat covers were his normal work, but he also fabricated enormous canvas curtains for the oil and gas industry, as well as many types of different coverings.

Robert was as genuine and caring a man as we have known. Fun loving, quick tempered, honest and a man of integrity. He guided and protected his family through the years with a loving soul, bear hugs, sage advice and an adoring heart. He would give the shirt off his back to strangers, and he loved Jesus deeply. He will forever be missed by those that knew him.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Mary, his daughter Tonja (Kent Cronkhite), son Lonnie, grandchildren Ian (Felicia Cronkhite), Connor Cronkhite, Taylor Knob and great grandchildren Logan and Jordan. Brother Ray Knob (Miletta), as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jake and Monica Knob, brothers Vic, Jake and sister Mary Springer.

In lieu of flowers, donations on his behalf are being accepted at HopeWest in Grand Junction. You can give at www.hopewestco.org or 3090 North 1th Street GJ, CO 81506.