Robert Speirer was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on November 13, 1933 – son of Paul and Theo Speirer, brother of Paul, Jr. and Helen. Growing up, he was a proud member of the Boy Scouts. He earned money delivering newspapers and groceries. He survived rheumatic fever and learned to walk again as he recovered.
His love of rocks and his interest in science led Robert to pursue a Geology degree at the University of Arkansas. Most of his career, he worked for the US Bureau of Mines conducting geologic research. One project was the pioneering use of satellite imagery to detect ground faults.
Robert’s enjoyment of the great outdoors involved hiking, backpacking, skiing and snowmobiling. He built a wonderful cabin high in the Colorado Rockies. His dedication to his community led him to serving as an officer for NARFE and volunteering at St. Peter’s Hospital. His commitment to his faith included serving on church boards and singing in the choir.
Family was central to Robert’s life. He cheered on his children’s endeavors. He urged his wife to pursue a graduate degree and her life’s passion. He stayed connected to his extended family, always enjoying time spent together. His family loved Robert for many reasons, not the least of which were his steadfast encouragement and support.
Robert is survived by his wife Janet, his children Scott Speirer, Jill Schmersey, Rebecca Oss, Karin Blanchard and Rodney Speirer, his sons-in-law Darrin Oss and Mark Blanchard, his grandchildren, Josephine and Orion Spencer-Speirer, Jason Oss and Nathaniel and Dexter Blanchard, and his sister Helen Wilson.
A memorial service will be held for Robert at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 27th at the United Methodist Church, 3 N. Main St. in Clancy. A reception will follow at the church. Memorials in honor of Robert are suggested to the Clancy United Methodist Church, 3 N. Main St., Clancy, MT 59634. Please visit below to offer his family a condolence or to share a memory of Robert. His family thanks Renaissance Senior Care and Hospice for their kind and gentle care of Robert.
Peggy ,And David fine from Jefferson City says
We are so sorry Jan. May God hold you in the palm of his hands. Blessings on all of your family.
Lisa Murphy says
Sending our love and prayers Jan and family.; holding you in my heart. Lisa, Larry, Kevin and Molly Murphy.
Patty Dahl says
Dear Jan, read in the paper (in the car on the way to Denver) that Bob died. I will not be back to attend Bob’s service. I want you to know you are in my heart and in my thoughts and in my prayers. You took such wonderful care of Bob. God bless you and Godspeed to Bob. Sending this with much love.❤️
Doug and Julie Burdette says
We are so sorry Janet for your loss. We will always remember you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry we cannot be with you at this time, but we will always be with you in spirit and prayer. You took such great care of Bob and he will always be remembered.
Gordon and Emily says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your many wonderful memories. Always enjoyed Spending time and listening to his many activities. Blessings to all ?
Billy Ferguson says
My brother Milton attended High School with Bob at Little Rock Central High in the early 50s. It was Bob and Milton who got my parents to start attending church at Asbury Methodist in Little Rock. Bob and Milton were best friends. I have many fond memories of Bob and his family. We would come to each other home for supper. Milton and Bob were like shadows, they went every where together and both worked as ushers in the Neighbor theatre. They graduated together in 1952. I was the little brother who would tag along whenever I got the chance. We lift Bob’s wife, Jan, up in prayer, In Jesus name, Amen.
Bob will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Sincerely, Billy Ferguson, Pastor
Naylor United Methodist, Vilonia, Arkansas.
Milt Ferguson says
Bob and I first met in the 6th grade and we did everything together; went to church ,walked to school,did homework,played basketball and football with his brother Paul Jr. on the boulevard on Battery st, worked at Krogers and the Neighbor theatre,hunted and fished on the week-ends and yes ,also got into our share of trouble.We graduated together and he went off to college to pursue his passion in geology and I went off to the military,we were separated for over 50 years pursuing different careers and raising our families.I last saw Bob again at a joyful reunion at my brothers house in Little Rock a few years ago.Time had not changed him,he was the same wonderful fun loving man with the engaging smile I and had so fondly remembered. Jan,unfortunately due to recent surgery I will not be able to attend Bob’s memorial service. My loving thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Tish Wilson (formerly of CDI) says
Jan
So sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen you in a long time, don’t believe I ever met Bob, but send loving thoughts to you during this time of loss.
Elaine Heltne says
Jill –
Thoughts and prayers surround you and your family as you celebrate your father’s life and the legacy he leaves with each of you.
Mark Elliott says
Jan, so sad to hear about your beloved Bob. Your old CDI family loves you and your family, and our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Kathryn Bell says
Dear Jan,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. There are such treasured memories of his smiles, laughter and playful teasing! You are both such caring people and I always admired Bob’s ways of checking in and exploring to see if he could ever do anything to help in any way! My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always,
Kathryn Bell
Jenny Lerner says
Jan I am sorry for your lost. Hugs and kisses.
Jenny Lerner
Julie Balster says
Jan and family,
It is so sad to lose a loved one. I will always remember Bob as such a helpful, gracious guy. I wish you much strength and a mountain of happy memories to help you through your bereavement. Love with hugs, and kisses, Julie Balster
Kathy Turner says
Jan, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I always enjoyed Bob’s sense of humor and good nature. I hope the memories of the good times will give you strength in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Kathy Turner
Kathryn Schaefer says
So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope all your wonderful memories will bring you peace at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kathy Schaefer
Carolyn Miller says
Dear Jan,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I remember fondly, the great support both Bob and you were in setting up our Denver/Lakewood office in 1990. Your beautiful deck was such a lovely spot for all our visioning and planning, which carried us through to heights not yet even imagined.
Thank you dear one. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Miller
Beth (Liz Leabo) Neumeister says
Beth (Liz Leabo) Neumeister
Dear Jan, family, and Helen ,
For some time , it has been on my heart to locate the Speirer family but was unsuccessful. Just about two weeks ago , the
Lord placed Bob on my heart to locate. I felt an urgency to find Bob especially. I only knew that as a teen, he had told that he wanted to be a Ranger, or at least in the outdoors.I knew if I found Bob, I would find out about the rest of the family.Helen and I were very close friends and Bob made three when he deemed to “play” with us girls .Three made a group and we loved having him as part of our neighborhood group.
Bob ‘s smile preceded him when he came to interact always bringing guestions and ideas and fun! It is so delightful to know that he and Jan had such a happy life, she and family with him in the beautiful outdoors which were shared together. Bob has been loved and guided by his
LORD W HICH HE HAS SHARED WITH HIS FAMILY, CHURCH, AND FRIENDS, AS WELL AS HIS COMMUNNITY.GOD CARES FOR HIM.
Elizabeth Church Reed says
My sympathy to all. Uncle Bob shared his love of the Colorado mountains with me and I have many memories that I will always cherish.
Karyn Bouhana says
My condolences to all of Bob’s family. This picture of him made me smile because it captures what a loving, kind and considerate man he was. My dear friend Karin was so very lucky to have him as a father.
Norma Church says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So sorry for your loss Karen and Scott. I have many happy memories of Colorado and Illinois visits. Norma Church
Jack Touseull says
I first met Bob at my first job after College at the Bureau of Mines Denver Research Center, Colorado on the Denver Federal Center. Even though we some 20 years different in age you would have never known it and Bob and I quickly became friends. I don’ think I ever saw him not smiling and the picture here is iconic of that smile I remember. During his single years between marriages we hung out at work, happy hours and a few times checked out the disco craze but mostly did other things. I was happy for meeting him and so glad to meet his current wife, Jan, and all the kids. Jan was and is a wonder person. The early years of their relationship kind of reminded me of that TV show, the Brady Bunch, where two people got together and had to mesh a lot of children in one household. I will never forget helping them set up a bunch beds for the new combined family home in Lakewood. This all seems like only yesterday but it is not and sadly it has been more years than I care to say, only because while we stayed in contact once a year via christmas I never made it up to Montana to visit and see the new home. Another would have, should have, I will always regret. So here I sit to write, I will miss you by friend, god bless you and Jan and all of your family. Much Love and hope to still hear from you Jan. Jack
Maribeth Schulz says
Jan, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob was such a wonderful friendly man. When I moved here, Bob welcomed me with warmth and friendship. I remember walking with Bob one day and I was having back pain. Bob told me what he used for his pain, and he took me home to show me what to use. He was that kind of caring man. He will be missed by all that knew him. Love to you.
Nadia Miller says
Jan and Family,
Hugh and I were very sad to hear about Bob’s passing. Bob was a good friend and wonderful mentor to me when I started my career at the Bureau of Mines at the Denver Research Center. Every time I go to the Edgar Mine in Idaho Springs, I think about the thousands of fractures Bob and I mapped at the mine and our research project. I’ll always remember Bob’s great sense of humor, his kindness, his friendliness, his funny stories, and working with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. – Nadia
Christine Beck says
Jan;
I am reminded of so many times when Bob and you exchanged a special smile or told a great story of times spent together. My heartfelt condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Chris Beck
Jamie Snodgrass says
Jan, Karin, Scott, Rodney, Jill and Becca
I am so glad that Jan reached out to let us know of Bob’s passing. Yet, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember that A-frame cabin fondly and learning the saying, “if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down” because then we had to take a bucket to the creek to fill the toilet up. Bob was a big part of our family at holidays when he was between marriages, even sleeping on our couch from time to time to fend off the loneliness. Lonely was hard to do at our raucous house. I am so glad that we got to attend the party for Bob here in Golden and honor him. I just love this picture of Bob. As many others have said here, it so captures his spirit. He always seemed to have a smile on his face. As with our Dad, he was one of the true gentle men, gentlemen. It’s hard to lose the good ones and I hope you all have found comfort in the many good memories. Bob was one of our Dad’s few best friends. I’m glad our Dad was there to help bring Bob home to God.
With all my love,
Jamie