Robert Fling Obituary

Bob passed away on May 6, 2015. He was born January 5, 1945 in La Jolla, California to Robert Willis Fling and Emma Reniff Fling.

Bob moved to Colorado in 1949 and grew up in Cascade where he attended elementary school in the one-room school house and graduated from Manitou Springs High school. He attended CU and transferred to Adams State College where he received his BS degree in physical science in 1968. After a two year stint in the army spent in Germany, where his regiment was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for being the best FDC battery in the European Army in 1970, Bob returned to Adams State College where he graduated cum laude in 1972 with a MS in geology and a MAT in education.

Bob was married to Abigail Call of Stafford, New York in 1972. He married Paula Cloud Pierce on December 21, 1975 and spent 17 years in Chipita Park where they raised two sons, Brian and Brett. He was involved in many of their sports activities, coaching them in hockey, soccer and baseball. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1993 and spent 21 years there near the Garden of the Gods with a view of his beloved Pikes Peak.

Bob's great passion in life, besides his family, was the automobile. In 1968 he raced the Pikes Peak Hill Climb driving an Oldsmobile for General Motors. He finished 3rd and won Rookie of the Year. In 1970, 71, and 72 he recorded a 5th, 6th and 8th place finish. In addition to building and restoring various automobiles, he loved to hike and ride his motorcycles. His positive attitude about anything and everything served him well, especially as he fought cancer.

Bob went to work for Sommers Building Company in 1972 and Fletemeyer Construction in 1981 as a superintendent. In 1991 he joined Penrose/St. Francis where he oversaw construction projects. He transferred to Centura Health in 1999, eventually becoming Vice President of Construction until 2009. After a short time at Loma Linda University Medical Center in CA serving as Director of Construction, Bob returned to Colorado and briefly worked as a construction project management consultant until 2014.

Bob was involved in many community activities, serving as President of the Homeowner's Association in Chipita Park and on the school board in Manitou Springs. He was also a member of the Community Congregational Church in Manitou Springs.

Bob leaves behind his wife, Paula, of 39 years, his two sons, Brian Robert and Brett Warren (Suzanne), grandsons Augustus Robert and Donovan Clifford, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his great aunt, Marian Rainwater.

A service will be held May 15 at 10 am at the Community Congregational Church in Manitou Springs. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations in Bob's memory be made to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906-3998.