Robert Bogner Obituary

If Robert Bogner, probably wearing his porkpie hat, greets you with a cheerful "Hey, howya doin'?" go ahead and tell him, because he actually cares how you're doing and will listen to you tell him. That's because caring about and caring for people was one of the things Robert did best.

Robert London Bogner, aged 91, was born in Yuma, Arizona on March 16th, 1932, to Cletis A. Bogner and Roberta(Bobbie) O. Bogner, whom he characterized as "...probably the two greatest parents anybody could ask for." From his dad Robert developed a love of tools and what he could do with them, which later led him to a career as a mechanical engineer.

In about the 5th or 6th grade, when the family lived in Phoenix, Robert discovered a sense of rhythm and a love of music which stayed with him all his life. He joined the school band as a percussionist, and as an adult, studied and performed both classical and Afro-Cuban music as well. He played in two symphony orchestras and several dance bands. Here in Durango, he took classes at Stillwater, where he played in both the jazz and the salsa bands.

Robert attended Phoenix Union High School, where he ran track and played in the marching and symphonic bands. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1955 with a degree in mechanical engineering, then went to Perdue University where he received his Master's Degree.

That same year, Robert was employed by the Garrett Corporation, where he worked with gas turbines. A few years later he moved to Santa Barbara, California, to work with American Machine and Foundary as head of a small group developing new businesses.Here he joined a marching group and played a bagpipe. Later, he returned to Phoenix and resumed his career with Garrett,working in aviation, and retiring in 1993. While working, Robert was the president of the Arizona Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as well as Chairman of the National Committee for Continuing Education for Mechanical Engineers.

In 1969 Robert married Dora Lee Vosnic, and together they raised "three great children." The Bogner family loved music, dancing, animals, camping and decorating for any and all holidays, especially Christmas. Robert and Dora Lee performed in many dance groups, with specialty numbers as Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers.

Kerry Leonard, the oldest son, passed away in 2009, and Robert's wife, Dora Lee died soon afterwards, in 2010. Amy London and Mitchell Lawrence Bogner are Robert's surviving children.

In retirement, Robert pursued interests in woodworking, enjoying his sports cars and watching racing, playing golf and flying a private plane.

After being widowed Robert moved to Durango, where he visited the Dharma Center and eventually joined the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango. There he met Judith A. Hook, a fellow Unitarian who could laugh at his offbeat jokes and enjoyed reading aloud to him, which was necessitated by Robert's increasing loss of vision due to macular degeneration.The late-life partnership formed by Judy and Robert was a source of joy, companionship and fulfillment to both of them.

Robert was a man of continuing curiosity and strong opinions on many topics, from the necessity of nuclear energy to the superiority of jazz music, and he continued to explore information and gain knowledge by listening to audible books as well as to Judy's reading.

Robert passed away at the age of 91, on December 5th, 2023. He is survived by his two children, Amy and Mitchell, his partner Judy and his beloved dog Milo. A celebration of his life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist church at a future date.

Robert will be sorely missed by friends and family alike. The Music of the Spheres is now enriched by a stellar jazz drummer.