Bob Harold Welch

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Harold Welch, who died peacefully of natural causes at his home in Lakewood, Colorado, on May 7, 2025.

Bob was born on August 12, 1949, in Logan, Utah, to Thomas W. Welch and Edith Katzmyer Welch. A proud graduate of Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Bob completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah in 1971, followed by a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1973. He earned his Professional Engineer (P.E.) license from the State of California in 1974.

On June 23, 1971, Bob married the love of his life, Sue (Kingdon) Welch. Together, they built a life centered on love, integrity, and family, raising three sons across Utah, Virginia, and Colorado.

Bob enjoyed a distinguished career as a civil engineer, specializing in highway construction, materials research, and development. He was widely regarded as an expert in his field and was a dedicated mentor, teacher, and speaker. Over the years, he held prominent positions with the State of Utah, the National Academy of Sciences, the Washington, D.C. Department of Public Works (where he served as Chief Engineer), and the Federal Highway Administration. Bob was honored with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Federal Highway Administration’s National Engineer of the Year Award in 1998.

A committed member of several professional organizations—AASHTO, ASTM, and the National Transportation Research Board (TRB)—Bob was always generous in sharing his knowledge and experience with colleagues and aspiring engineers alike.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Bob’s greatest source of pride was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always placing family first. Bob was known for his integrity, sincere nature, and strong work ethic. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, construction projects, tending to his garden of tomatoes and peppers, and making memories at the family cabin—a structure he proudly designed and built with the help of his family. The cabin became a cherished place of gathering, filled with laughter, games, and holiday traditions.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sue; his sons Tom (Renee), John (Becky), and David (Dana); and seven grandchildren: Austin, Allie, Ashley, Abby, Denali, Anna, and Daci. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Hoopes (Don Wallace), and several nieces and nephews.

Bob’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on through the many lives he touched—both personally and professionally. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe St. Golden, CO 80401. Please email [email protected] for information and to RSVP. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.