Robert "Bob" Manning

Robert "Bob" Clyde Manning was born in Miller, South Dakota on September 4, 1943. He had recently celebrated his 79th birthday when he passed on September 10, 2022, from complications due to his Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Bob married Gail Darlene Hutcheson on November 28, 1964, in Ft. Pierre, South Dakota. He is survived by his wife Gail; sons, Sean, Derek and Doug; daughter-in-law Marilyn (Sean); two grandsons, Chandler and Ethan. Preceded in death by brothers Don, Bill, Joe.
After High School Bob entered the Air Force on March 7, 1962, where he spent 4 years as a Communications Radio Relay and Equipment Technician until he was honorably discharged in 1966. He later graduated from University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and soon became a CPA. After several years in corporate and banking positions he decided to start his own accounting and tax firm in the mid 1970's. For the next 25 years he ran a successful accounting firm while raising 3 boys and enjoying time with family. He and Gail then started to travel the world with one of their highlights being several trips to many of the islands of the Caribbean. In 1998 he sold the firm to his eldest son Sean and officially retired at age 55. He also invested and collaborated in other businesses with both Derek and Doug.
Travel and adventure became an important part of Bob's and his family's lifestyle. Living in Colorado was the perfect place for Bob to enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, golfing, and boating with the family. Boating became a passion, and he captained a sailboat, motorboat and houseboat which created adventures that resulted in many treasured memories for his family. When Bob retired his hobbies became more refined with golf, more travel and just good times with friends and family.
Family was a cornerstone to Bob's life. Any activity to support his family's adventures was one for him to enjoy. Bob and Gail were both from large families and annual trips back to Ft. Pierre, SD were an exciting time and allowed them to stay connected to their extended family.
Bob had a unique ability to make friends easily. He was happy to share a conversation, always made a point to remember someone's name, and always made you feel important. His constant positive outlook and friendly conversations were the foundation of friendships that lasted decades and even a lifetime for many of his friends.
In 2017 Bob was diagnosed with ALS. The challenges of ALS are certainly difficult, but Bob seemed to make it more acceptable for others and even interesting with his ALS journey.  It was no surprise in this last year that he remained positive, funny, and friendly as he was showing signs of decline, but he rarely let it bother him or bring him down. If you asked him how he was doing, he remained uniquely positive often saying, "It could be worse. I am just lucky to be here!"
He will be missed by many, but his spirit will linger with his friends and family; the lucky ones that had the experience of knowing him. With love, Gail, Sean, Derek, Doug, Marilyn, Chandler, and Ethan.
Catholic Funeral Mass, Monday, September 19, 2022, 1:30 PM, Meet and greet 1:00pm, St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church,  6673 W. Chatfield Ave, Littleton, CO 80128.  Service to be live streamed at: https://youtu.be/Q8ZIHii5NJA .
Reception to follow mass service, September 19, 2022, 3:00pm, Hudson Gardens and Events Center, 6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120, Blue Room.

Graveside Service, Monday, September 26, 2022, 10:15 AM, Fort Logan National Cemetery, area C.
Donations to ALS Association Arizona Chapter or the Rocky Mountain Chapter are welcomed to honor Bob.