Robert O'Haire

Robert Emmett Galvin Godfrey Aloysius O'Haire Jr., known to the world as "Bob," passed away at 91, early December 26, 2021.  Bob was born August 24, 1930, the only child of the late Robert and Lucille O'Haire, and was a great-nephew of Jim and the unsinkable Molly Brown.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Patricia.  His extended family has described Bob and Pat's marriage as analogous to "I Love Lucy," an endearing synergetic relationship where Bob played the somewhat straight man encouraging Pat's capers for the merriment of their marriage.

Bob was the loving father of two sons and a daughter-in-law, Robert Emmett O'Haire (Cheryl) and Brian William O'Haire.  He was the proud grandfather of Brenden, Addison, and Camden O'Haire.

Family and friends will fondly remember Bob as a proud Irish Catholic, loving father and grandfather, distinguished hospital administrator, public relations maven, founder of "Flight for Life," generous champion of the less fortunate, proud patriot, and US Air Force Veteran.

Bob graduated from Denver's Cathedral High School and Regis College.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the recently formed United States Air Force and served the 140th wing of the Air National Guard at Cannon Air Force Base during the Korean conflict.

After being one of the last Coloradans to get polio, he resolved to work in healthcare, beginning as the executive director of the Tuberculosis Association.  Five years later, he directed the Colorado Department of Public Health program on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.  His experience led to administrating several federally-funded projects for children, youth maternity, and infant care for the Tri-County Health Department.  His expertise developed into a healthcare administration career serving various administrative executive positions at St. Joesph Hospital, St. Anthony Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, and Bethesda PsycHealth Hospital.  Specifically, at St. Anthony Hospital, he was pivotal in creating and funding America's first civilian hospital-based air- ambulance medical helicopter program in the US, a program he named "Flight for Life." This service proved a critical asset during Vail's Lionshead gondola II accident of 1976.

He was a founding member of Risen Christ Catholic Church, from its beginning at the Cherry Creek High School Gym to the Continental Theatre to its current location.  Risen Christ Catholic Church was Bob's second home, where he served the church in many capacities.  He looked forward to Mondays in recent years when he and some great people would drive to grocery stores gathering food for delivery to local food banks.  He also served and participated in Risen Christ's senior program "Silverado."

As a third-generation native of Colorado, Bob understood how blessed he was to have been raised and lived in the most incredible place in the world, Colorado.  He would reinforce this belief by traveling during his last 20 years with the Risen Christ Silverado's travel program, touring coast-to-coast and internationally into Europe and Ireland.

Bob also was a car enthusiast from an early age.  He was particularly proud of owning a 1966 Ford Mustang "Sprint" convertible.  He enjoyed participating in annual car shows and driving his "pride and joy" with the assistance of Ms. and Mrs. Colorado every year in Denver's St Patrick's Day parade.

His Irish heritage embodied him, and for more than two decades, he served Denver's St Patrick's Day parade committee.

Admittedly, Bob lived a charmed life and said before passing, "I loved every minute of it." Many will miss his perpetual optimistic outlook, warm smile, and charm.

His funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 3060 S Monaco Pkwy. Burial will follow at the Fort Logan Cemetery.  His Rosary is scheduled for 5 p.m., Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the Horan and McConaty chapel, 11150 East Dartmouth Ave.