Robert Dale Rice
April 11, 1933 ~ December 22, 2004
Resided in:
Denton, TX
Robert 'Bob' D. Rice, beloved by his family, passed away on December 22, 2004. His family was at his bedside sharing their love and gratitude when he died.
Bob was born in Pueblo, Co., April 11, 1933, to Wm. Dale and Pauline Rice. He graduated from Grand Junction High School where he was a state champion in tennis. On May 6, 1952, Bob married Helen Koonce and began Dale Rice & Son Lumber with his father. Shortly after opening the lumberyard he enlisted in the navy and served during the Korean War.
After the war Bob attended the University of Denver. Following college he returned to Pueblo, and rejoined his father in the lumber business. He loved his work and the people and employees who graced the lumberyard. Bob also enjoyed his former service as a member of Board of Directors for Pueblo Bank & Trust.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Helen; children, Cindy Martinez, Robin Rice and Annette Rice; and granddaughter, Kim Walker. Also survived by his brothers-in-law, Howard Koonce and Joe Koonce; sister-in -law, Marlene Graham; and an aunt, Floreine Wickizer. His parents preceded him in death.
Viewing Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, at the funeral home from noon until 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2004, at Ascension Episcopal Church, 18th & Grand. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, c/o Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, P O Box 777, Pueblo, CO 81002.
Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
From clasmate in Pueblo
Although I did not know Bob personally, his parents were close friends of my parents (Walter & Geraldine Cosslett). My Mother was a very close friend of Pauline when growing up in Pueblo. My sincere condolences to the family.
Robin,
I was so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. When he had the store it was always a pleasure visiting with him. He was so very proud of his family.
At nearly sixty years of age, I am amazed by the influence Bob had on my character and my life. I would notice these things during the occasional trips home for holidays, weddings, and even funerals. I would always attempt to measure myself against him, but I never I could master that internal calm with which he dealt with the chaos around him.
When he began to drift under the control of Alzheimer’s Disease, I felt a terrible loss, but the imagining was always worse than the reality. Bob was still there to the end. He only made us look a little harder.
I mourn his passing, but I am deeply grateful that my sister Helen brought this extraordinary man into our lives.