Hon. Robert H. McWilliams, Jr.

Bob McWilliams was born in Salina, Kansas in 1916, the first of three boys. He moved to Denver in 1927 when his father took a position with the University of Denver as a sociology professor. Bob was a proud South High Rebel. He was a two-sport letterman (tennis and basketball) and President of his class at South High and the University of Denver. He graduated with honors from undergraduate and law school at the University of Denver. He ranked first on the bar exam in 1941. Bob was a judge for more than 60 years having served on the Denver Municipal Court, the Denver District Court, and the Colorado Supreme Court; he was appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1970 to serve on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. He was the longest sitting judge in the history of Colorado and perhaps the United States. He was respected by litigants and lawyers alike because of his unimpeachable integrity. Bob served as a special agent for the Office of Naval Intelligence and the Office of Strategic Services in China during World War II. He was a past President of the Denver Rotary Club, the Gyro Club, and the Colorado Tennis Association. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Denver Tennis Club, the Denver Athletic Club, the University Club, and (his favorite for 68 years) the Glenelk Association. He served as Senior Warden of the Church of Ascension where he was married – twice! He was, since 1937, a loyal patron of the Bonnie Brae Tavern and, since their inception, a devoted fan of the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Nuggets. Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years, Joan McWilliams; his son, Edward McWilliams (Marilyn McWilliams), his grandchildren, Kate MacDonald (Ken MacDonald), Sarah Franklin (Steve Franklin) and Anne McWilliams; his step children, Jeanette Killip (Jeff Killip) and Kendall Cady; two great grandchildren and three step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Cooper McWilliams, and his brothers, David and Edward McWilliams. Bob died on April 10, 2013, just short of his 97th birthday. He was an incomparable human being. With his brilliant mind and kind heart, he enthusiastically supported his family, his friends, his church, his schools, the judiciary and the country. He was honest, ethical and steadfast. He was loved by all and returned that love tenfold. He will never be forgotten. For those who wish, contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Robert H. and Joan McWilliams Endowed Scholarship Fund at the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver, 2255 E. Evans Ave., Denver, CO 80210 or the Church of the Ascension. Memorial Service, Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Church of the Ascension, 600 Gilpin Street, Denver, CO 80218; Reception following at the University Club, 1673 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203.