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Longtime Durango resident Robert W. (Bob) Balliger passed away Sunday, January 10, 2016, in Durango. He was 93 years old. Bob was born on May 20, 1922, in Telluride Colorado to Walter and Eva Balliger. They moved to Durango in 1929. He attended Durango High School and the old Fort Lewis College. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a signalman on the USS Ewing and the Vanburen during WWll in the Pacific Theater. On the GI Bill he attended Utah State University where he got a degree in Bacteriology and Environmental Health. Bob married Patricia Parker on July 17, 1947 at St. Marks Episcopal Church. They were together 61 years.
Bob worked for the San Juan Basin Health Department for 36 years(1948-1984) starting as a sanitarian, assistant director and then director of the health department. He was a part of the expanding role of the health department in a growing community. He also served on the health department board after retirement.
As an avid "horseman" he loved spending time in the mountains on pack trips. He enjoyed the outdoors whether it be hunting, fishing, horseback riding or working on his land. Electra lake held special memories with family and friends. He was an independent, knowledgable and strong individual. Bob was a member of the BPO Elks Lodge #507, the Trujillo Sheets American Legion, the Goldenairs(Drum and Bugle Corps), and the La Plata Players Theater Troup.
He is survived by daughter Penny(Bob) Allen of Bartlesville, OK, son: Bob Balliger of Cortez, CO, grandchildren: Shannon Frazier, Sarah Browning, and Evelyn Balliger; great-grandchildren: Olivia and Hannah Frazier, Carina and Miles Browning; Nephew: Steve Balliger; and Niece: Denise Bersos; grand nephews: Christopher and Sterling Balliger.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; and brother John Ronald Balliger.
Services will be announced for the coming summer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Bob,
I still miss you and consider it a privilege to have spent happy hours with you and Pat, as wel as with your children, PENNY AND BOBBY. Now my beloved husband
Earl C. Scott has rejoined youon Nov. 9, 2018. Blessings Mimi
Mimi Scott
January 8, 2022
Well, here we are 3 years later, and Earl Scott is with his old buddy now, having left his body on November 9, 2018. Now I am missing both of you terribly! I am grateful however for all the great times we had together....riding our horses, dinners together with Bob and Pat, and just having out!!
Bob, you are a memorable original Coloradan.
Mimi Scott
Friend
January 9, 2020
I enjoyed a long friendship with Bob that started in 1977 when he hired me at the Health Department. Above all,I admired his independent thinking, but also his thoughtfulness, stubbornness and his genuine cowboy style. I tried to model my career after his. I left the area in 1988, but made frequent trips to Durango, which included warm visits with Bob and Pat. I feel very fortunate to have visited with him last summer.
Bob Woolrich
January 28, 2016
Bob and Pat have been our dear friends and neighbors ever since we moved to Colorado from New England in the late 1980's. Bob was there for us when we had pack goats, then mules, then quarter horses and finally Missouri Fox Trotters. He stabled our horses, trimmed their hooves, and taught us how to put a saddle on, mount them, to ride safely and dismount gracefully. Earl treasures the pack trips they took together,, as well as the many, many days in the three of us in the saddle together in the mountains, canyons, and deserts of Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.
Bob was our teacher about Colorado life. He was a true friend, always standing by to help in times of need and to celebrate the good times as well. Bob was our connection to the history of Durango, and served as our eyes watching it change.
We miss him and his quiet strength and patient good humor, and we honor him in our hearts for always and always.
Earl and Mimi Scott
January 26, 2016
What a marvelous picture of such a fine gentleman! So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our parents were such good friends for so many years. My mother would especially remark how your mother was her first friend in Durango when she married my father and moved to Durango. Recently saw pictures of you at birthday parties, and they brought back memories of how lucky we were to grow up in Durango.
Our love to all,
Beverly Horther Mignerey
January 21, 2016
It is never easy losing someone we love. Sending my condolences to the family. May the God of comfort give your family the strength and peace during this difficult time. Psalm 29:11
M.S.
January 18, 2016
WILL MISS SEEING YOUR DAD ON MY TRIPS TO DURANGO, ELECTRA LAKE AND JUNCTION CREEK. I HAVE SUCH FOND MEMORIES OF HIM AND YOUR FAMILY WHILE GROWING UP IN DURANGO. HE WAS A TRUE SURVIVOR AND ALL AROUND SPECIAL GUY. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY. LOVE--BARBARA (LUTZ) DEPOYSTER
BARBARA DEPOYSTER
January 17, 2016
Our family is sad to lose our dear neighbor. He will be remembered
for his genuine character, his love of life and his staunch independence! And Bob could certainly tell a good story.
Our condolences to his family.
Beverly and Douglas Capelin
January 16, 2016
Life in Durango was never without Bob in it. When we'd come visit the grandparents, Jim and Helen Noland, Bob, wife Patsy, daughter Penny and son Bobby, were like aunt and uncle and cousins. Onward to the greatest of hunting camps, Bob!
January 16, 2016
I knew Bob all my life. He and his family were (are) lifelong friends. He was like our uncle. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
Joni Cozby
January 16, 2016
I worked with Bob when he was at the Health Dept. He was such a nice guy. He will be missed. I'm sorry for your loss.
Sweetie Marbury
January 16, 2016
We are honored to have had Bob as a friend and neighbor. We'll miss our great conversations. Harold and Ann
January 15, 2016
roger smith
January 15, 2016
So sorry for your loss
trish becher
January 14, 2016
Wishing all of you peace and love during this time.Enjoyed working with Bob at the Health Dept. Thinking of you all. Mary and Roger Miller
Mary Miller
January 14, 2016
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