Robert Van Horn

Robert N. Van Horn entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at his home in Littleton, CO surrounded by family, friends, and a dear priest. He was 94. He is survived by his sister Sayonna Ragsdale George and 3 children: Michael David Van Horn (Mary Ellen), Stephen Paul Van Horn (Colette), and Patricia Regina Marie Cartwright (Stephen).  He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces & nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews, and great-grandnieces & great-grandnephews.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia Carolyn Van Horn, son Phillip Mark Van Horn and grandson Shawn Edward Van Horn.  He was also preceded by parents Paul Edison Van Horn and Marcella Grace Ragsdale & sister Janice Van Horn Gentry and her son Kenneth Gentry.

Bob was born in Baker City, Oregon during the Great Depression and was a 3rd generation product of Dutch, Irish and German immigrants who followed the Oregon Trail in covered wagons. This early foundation of challenge and strong roots provided him with the grit, work ethic, faith and determination that would guide him through a long well-lived life.

Educated as a Petroleum Geological Engineer, he was employed in the Oil & Gas industry from 1954 to 1989 with assignments in the Rocky Mountain Region, Gulf Coast Onshore, Dutch North Sea and West Texas gaining titles ranging from Well Site Geologist to Chief Operating Officer.

A major landmark in his life was a trip to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1988 with his wife Pat, where he experienced multiple miraculous signs from the Blessed Virgin Mary. From that point forward until his death, he said a daily rosary and attended daily mass whenever possible. He was very involved at his home parish of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church including The Knights of Columbus, Secular Franciscan Order, Renew Small Group Ministry, That Man is You and Gathering of Men Annual Retreat.  He is remembered for sharing his life from the heart and helping all he met grow in their faith. He always gave generously of his time, talent, and treasure.

Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Pat for the 57 years of life they cherished together.  They modeled true married love to their children and grandchildren. Pat was Bob’s eternal cheerleader and wise confidant and provided a beautiful and welcoming home to all that knew them.  When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Bob became her caregiver for 16 years until she died in his arms in 2006.

As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bob shared his love of God’s Creation in memorable fishing and hunting trips in the Colorado high country spanning 60 years. Ranked nationally as a marksman when prepping for The Military Academy at West Point, he was recognized as a crack shot by family and friends and proven by a prolific harvest of elk & deer over the years.  His last hunt was at age 84.

In summary, Robert N. Van Horn lived a full and rich life devoted to faith, family, and charity for others. His legacy will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Eternal rest grant unto him O’ Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen!

Vigil Service Thursday, January 5, 2023, 5:00 pm, Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227
Funeral Mass Friday, January 6, 2022, 10:30 am, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 West Chatfield Ave., Littleton, CO 80128.
Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1:00 pm.

Reception, Reel Event Center, 10488 W. Centennial Rd., Littleton, CO, 2:30 pm.