Bruce
"Bob" Stanley Marks died on March 21, 2020, after a valiant
battle with cancer. His heartbroken family was at his side. He is
survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Lilly Marks; his children
Lara (Todd) Baker and Deborah (Bradd) Williams; his beloved grandsons
Sam, Jackson and Hwitley; and his sister, Sandra Marks.
Born Nov. 3, 1946, in Charleston, W. Va, to Sidney and Emily Marks,
Bob chased his dream of flying and continuing his family's military
tradition when he entered Air Force Academy in the fall of 1964.
Bob spent his first two cadet years in 19th Squadron and his final
two years in the 11th Squadron, impressing his classmates with his
encyclopedic military knowledge and "country boy" grit.
During his doolie year, Bob met his wing woman-to-be, Lilly Marks.
Their first date was the recognition ball. Bob graduated in 1968,
receiving his second lieutenant bars, his BS degree, and a pilot-training
assignment at Laredo AFB, Texas, where he earned his wings.
A natural in the cockpit, he loved the challenge and adventure of
flight. He completed initial qualification training in the C-130A
Hercules at Ellington AFB, Texas, enroute to the 39th Tactical Airlift
Squadron (TAS) at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, from 1970 to 1971. As he
mastered the "Herk," he shared runways with Apollo astronauts
shooting T-38 touch-and-goes and precarious set-downs in the strange-looking
lunar lander training vehicle.
Bob became a skilled tactical airlifter, and in 1970 received the
Peruvian Air Cross for flying disaster-relief missions following
the great Peruvian earthquake. His Lockbourne flying duties took
him to every country in South America, which ignited his career
and lifelong passion to study and experience the history, culture,
religion and peoples of the countries he visited.
On Sept. 6, 1970, Bob married Lilly, his sweetheart, lifelong "co-pilot"
and the most special and influential person in his life.
Bob served his nation in the Vietnam War, piloting the AC130A gunships
in the 16th Special Operations Squadron, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand. Bob
flew numerous armed reconnaissance and close-air support combat
missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos and Cambodia and always
volunteered to fly more. He exemplified the '68 class motto: "With
Wings and Courage."
Honorably discharged in 1973, Bob attended law school at the University
of Virginia. He continued to fly with the West Virginia National
Guard until his law school graduation in 1976. Bob and Lilly returned
to Colorado where Bob practiced oil and gas transactional law, mediation
and arbitration. He also taught numerous courses at the University
of Denver Law School as an adjunct professor.
Bob and Lilly raised two beautiful and accomplished daughters, each
of whom embody many of Bob's passions and talents. Lara followed
her dad's footsteps, also graduating from University of Virginia
Law School. Deborah shared her father's love of travel and outdoor
sports and together they enjoyed helicopter and backcountry skiing,
completed several "century" bike rides, and climbed many
Colorado "14ers." Bob eagerly shared his love of skiing,
biking, airplanes and rockets with his young grandsons.
An avid outdoorist, Bob spent his retirement skiing, competing in
triathlons, scuba diving, and traveling the world with Lilly. Bob
was beloved by his family and many friends, and his legendary, irreverent
wit always filled the room with laughter.
The family offers its profound appreciation to Bob's three wingmen,
'68 cadet classmates Jim Lozito, Roger Moseley and Duane Mrosla,
lifelong friends who offered such incredible support, companionship
and love to Bob and the family throughout Bob's illness.
Due to the Covid-19 virus, the family will hold a memorial service
at a future date to be determined.
(Bob's
loving family and Jim Lozito, classmate and friend)
Obituary
Bob passed away Saturday morning, March 21, 2020 in Greenwood Village,
CO. of pancreatic cancer and, recently, a series of small strokes.
He was interred Monday, March 23, 2020 in the Jewish, Rose Hill
Cemetery; 6814 E 62nd Ave; Commerce City, CO. Due to the circumstances
we're all familiar with, there will only be a small graveside service.
The family may hold a memorial at some future date. Bob was an impressive
guy. He flew AC-130s in combat, was a truly gifted and aggressive
skier, a certified mixed gas scuba diver, and not a shabby bicyclist.
He is survived by his wife Lilly, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
His family has suggested that memorial donations be made in lieu
of flowers to the University of Colorado Cancer Center; University
of Colorado Foundation; PO Box 17126; Denver, CO 80217-9155; (303)
541-1290; www.giving.cu.edu.
Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife, Lilly:
Mrs. Lilly Marks; 5548 Hillside St; Greenwood Village, CO 80111-3736.
Condolences may also be left online at www.feldmanmortuary.com.