Obituary of Robert F Garvin

Robert F. Garvin was born June 23, 1939, to Marguerite and Franklin Garvin in Oakland, California. At age 7, Bob, his sister Sandra and mother moved to Gillette, Wyoming. During these formative years he learned to love all forms of nature, especially rocks and their formations.

He graduated from Westminster College with a degree in Geology. Bob married Kathryn Bailey in 1961. After serving 3 years in the Army Air Defense Command at NORAD, he returned to school and earned a Masters Degree in Geology from the University of Utah in 1967.

Bob began his career with Phillips Petroleum. He went on to work for several independent oil and gas companies. In 2003, he received the Outstanding Explorer award.

His love of nature led him to enjoy outdoor activities. He climbed half of Colorado’s fourteeners, ran marathons including Boston, and skied. He taught skiing for 27 years and was a member of Professional ski instructors of America.

Bob and Kathy enjoyed 61 and a half years of marriage. They have two children, son Ken born in 1963 and daughter Karen born in 1967. They have four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Their favorite memory of Grandpa is playing with the electric trains under the Christmas tree.

Bob always walked with God and marveled at God’s majesty every time he was on a ski lift, hiked fourteeners and looked in a microscope. He was member of Shepherd of the Hills for fifty five years.  He served as both a Deacon and an Elder. Bob left our arms and entered God’s on March 7, 2023.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, son Ken (Sue), daughter Karen Tourtillott (Bill) and four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Also survived by his sister Sandy Walther (John).