Obituary of Robert "Bob" George Eichman

Robert (Bob) George Eichman passed away peacefully in Canon City, CO on September 3, 2023, due to complications from hip surgery at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen, daughter Robyn Boone, her husband David and stepdaughter Tristan, son Kyle, his wife Monica and daughters Taylor and Hunter, brother Gary, his wife Mary, son Ryan, his sons Jordan and Christopher, daughter Kim Johnston, her husband Chuck and sons Evan and Ian.

Bob was born in La Junta on May 19, 1941, and grew up in Sugar City, CO with his parents George and Esther and brother Gary. He was a two-sport letterman, both football and basketball, his passion was on the basketball side and his face would light up when he talked about it, according to him he had one of the best set shots in the game! He met and fell in love with Karen Lester from Fowler, her family welcomed him even though he was from ‘the wrong side of the tracks’, they were married on September 15, 1963, the beginning of a 60 year long love story. Bob served in the Army during the Vietnam conflict, he was proud to serve his country and everything it stands for, he is honored with the privilege of being laid to rest in Pikes Peak National Cemetery. He also attended CU and received a degree in business, which was the launchpad to a very illustrious career in the banking industry.

His career started with the Associates, Karen and Bob moved a couple of times and loved to tell stories about his days as a ‘repo man’ with her serving as his back up, both joking that neither of them were ever injured in the line of duty. He served as President of Empire State Bank in Rocky Ford, diligently serving the community and surrounding area for many years. During this time, they welcomed two children, Kyle and Robyn. Many stories and laughter were shared over the years as both children grew up and successfully headed out on their own. As his son I know I am biased, but he really was the best father anyone could ask for and I will miss him immensely. His next and final move was to Woodland Park where he was President of Park State Bank and Trust for over 26 years, retiring in 2006. Don’t really think anyone would argue that he was a pillar of the community over those years, he possessed a unique combination of genuine concern and kindness for his co-workers, customers, and community. If you were to look for the definition of a community banker you need look no further than Bob Eichman, as a family we will forever be proud of what he accomplished and did for the communities he served.

Retirement proved to be another journey. Bob and Karen started out in St. George UT, which allowed him to spend a tremendous amount of quality time with his two granddaughters, Taylor and Hunter, many adventures were had in and around Vegas and Utah, squirt guns serving as the focal point many times. From there they moved to Canon City which allowed them to be closer to family and friends. He very much enjoyed and looked forward to the many road trips to Missoula, MT to visit his daughter Robyn and her husband David. He was convinced that the Montana CostCo had better stuff than those located in Colorado and would always fill the car with products as proof. Bob also looked forward to Friday morning coffee with the guys, please raise a cup in his honor this Friday! Finally, Bob was a gardener extraordinaire, a great deal of thought and planning went into each and every plant he placed in his yard, meticulously nursing them through the Colorado summers, I think the plants will miss him as much as we will.

Here's to a life well lived filled with love, happiness, and family.

Services will be held at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road in Colorado Springs, CO on September 20, 2023, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to one of two charities in Bob’s name: Humane Society of Fremont County or the Wounded Warriors Project.