07/13/2025
Hello All, here is Bob’s Obituary and Memorial Information. If you are interested in attending the Memorial, please see the link at the bottom and RSVP.
Robert VanEpps, known to many as "Colorado Bob," passed away peacefully on the morning of Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, at age 82 in Silverton, Oregon. Born on October 14, 1942, Bob lived a life full of adventure, hard work, and a strong connection to the places he lived and the people he met. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, his children, Justin, Cole, and Breann, and his siblings, Betty, Dorothy, and David. Bob's parents, Martha and Claude, and his sister, Marilyn, passed away before him.
During his life, Bob lived in many different places across the United States and Canada. He went to university in Montana. For work, he traveled a lot as a corporate sales representative for Frontier Airlines. Later, he started his own business, a successful property management company called Comainco Services in Colorado, and also bought and fixed up properties in the Denver area. When he retired to Silverton in 2001, Bob wasn't ready to stop; instead, he started his dream of owning a horse ranch. He named it Abiqua Country Estate and Equestrian Center. For the next twenty-five years, he boarded horses, held summer camps and clinics, hosted OHSET teams, and turned the land into a beautiful spot for weddings, hiking, fishing, and a beloved home. In Oregon, people started calling him "Colorado Bob." He made new friends with boarders and neighbors, riding horses and exploring the area with them. Bob loved his quiet mornings taking care of the horses and warm evenings reading by his fireplace. Even though he was busy with barn work and caring for his boarders, Bob also stayed involved in his community by proudly serving on the Silverton Fire District's board.
No matter where he lived, Bob always loved being outdoors, camping, hiking, boating, and skiing. A very important part of his life was dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America. Following his father's example, he became an Eagle Scout and served as a scout master, camp director, and a helpful mentor for both adults and young leaders. Some of his most memorable scouting trips were challenging and rewarding journeys to Philmont, the Northern Tier, and SEA BASE, where he spent weeks doing what he enjoyed most.
Bob's life shows us the importance of staying active and involved, finding real meaning and connection through hard work, helping the community, and spending time in nature and with the animals he would befriend along the way!
The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 10:30 AM at the property, on the old wedding grounds, by the upper lake.
Abiqua Country Estate 18401 Abiqua Road NE Silverton Oregon 97381
