Robert Louis Constas

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert L. Constas at his apartment in Denver, Colorado, on January 21, 2024, at the age of 87.

Robert was born on February 3, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Visar Constas and Rose (Coté) Constas. Visar was a Greek immigrant who owned and operated the Richland Café in Detroit, and Rose, a Canadian immigrant, found work as a waitress at the restaurant. They met, fell in love and had Robert, their only child. Robert’s upbringing, shaped by the resilience of immigrant parents, instilled in him a deep sense of perseverance, striving and compassion.

The Great Depression and untimely death of Visar eventually took Rose and young Robert to California. Robert graduated from Van Nuys High School and later joined the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the Allied Occupation forces in West Germany in the early 1950s during the Cold War. During his military service, he attended college courses at night school in Munich and after being Honorably Discharged, was accepted to Medical School at the University of California at Los Angeles. Robert graduated UCLA Medical School in 1963 and earned a specialization in Psychiatry.

Robert was a music lover, and met his future wife, Marie (Westphal) Constas when they were counselors at a band camp. They married and had two sons, James V. Constas and Jason B. Constas. They settled in Thousand Oaks, California, and in 1979 the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

Apparently, the world conspired to bring Robert back to Phoenix. Approximately twelve years earlier, Robert testified as an expert witness at what was dubbed the Great Soul Trial of 1967 in the Superior Court of Arizona on behalf of the American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR), of which he was a member. The trial received national attention, as the court attempted to fulfill the last wishes of a lost prospector’s will, who bequeathed his fortune to the organization who could best prove the existence of the human soul. The ASPR received the prospector’s funds for research.

Robert and Marie’s passion for music enriched the lives of many through their co-founding of the Windsongs Recorder Ensemble. They played semi-professionally at churches, weddings and other events. They also co-wrote several original music books, still in publication, inspired by Native American themes and echoing the beauty and harmony they found in their study of the Ageless Wisdom. Marie passed on in 2007, leaving behind Robert, James and Jason.

After working as a psychiatrist for many years for a large healthcare organization, Robert attempted to retire, but his calling to serve others proved too strong and a few years later he returned to the medical profession working as a Psychiatrist for the Indian Health Service in Phoenix. He served indigenous people in Arizona for nearly a decade before finally retiring for good.

In his later years, Robert found joy in his marriage to Lynita (Faulkner) Constas, embracing new adventures and continuing his pursuit of wisdom and service. In 2023, Robert, Lynita and their beloved canine companion Molly Sue moved to Denver to be closer to family.

Robert leaves behind a legacy of love and service, survived by his son James, daughter-in-law Candice, and their children Bailey and Peter, as well as his grandchildren Alex and Victoria, the children of his deceased son Jason. Though departed, Robert's spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness and generosity.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Mountain Time on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the Chapel at Horan & McConaty in Centennial, Colorado.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to T.S.G. Foundation in Cave Creek, Arizona.