Robert Lundquist Obituary

Robert (Bob) Paul Lundquist, 76, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2022, following a battle with Alzheimer's Disease and the neurodegenerative disease, Charcot Marie Tooth. Bob had been living in a memory care unit in Lafayette, CO since March of 2020. Born in Boston, MA, Bob graduated from Westwood (MA) High School, completed his undergraduate BS at Wheaton College (IL), and earned his MA at the University of Chicago, with an intention to teach Medieval Literature at the college level. His first faculty position was at West Liberty State College in West Virginia before venturing out west to work towards a Ph.D. (ABD) at the University of Denver. He finished his career at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO where he established and was the Director of the Learning Assistance Center 1981-2002. At Fort Lewis, he and his staff helped students who were struggling with learning disabilities, as well as prepared students for postgraduate-level education. He was adored by his advisees and students, who often referred to him as a friend, counselor, advisor, and someone who goes out of his way to help others. He was presented with the Fort Lewis College Achievement Award in 1987.

In 1981, Bob married Connie Lundquist (Hilb) who passed away unexpectedly in 1985. He met and married Heather (Graham) Henry, in 1986. He adopted Heather's two children Erin Manning (Lundquist) and Kelsea DeVries (Lundquist) shortly after.

When he wasn't reading a book, Bob's interests included the arts through music, visual arts, and theater. He served on the board of the Community Concerts Association for several years. He was an avid fly-fisherman, sharing his talent with his family on the streams and rivers throughout the Rocky Mountains. Motorcycling on day-long rides with the Durango Motorcycle Club was a source of great pleasure for Bob. In its formative years, Bob served on the board of the Durango/Purgatory Handicapped Sports Association. He was active in his faith community at First Presbyterian Church Durango where he served as a Deacon and on various committees.

Bob is survived by his wife, Heather Lundquist of Longmont CO, daughters Erin (Lundquist) Manning and Kelsea (Lundquist) DeVries, 4 grandchildren, as well as his sister, Barbara Post, and cousins Carol Freeman and Sylvia Cook. There will be a private, family celebration of life at a later date. Bob would be honored by contributions to The Special Olympics or MADD.