Robert V. Manes

Robert Virgil Manes, 91, of Pine Colorado, died Friday May 14,2021. He was born to the late Donald and Stella (Mimi) Manes, December 6th, 1929, in Quincey, Illinois.

Robert graduated from Holy Family High School in Denver. He joined the Air Force in in 1950 and served until 1952 when he was honorably discharged to care for his mother after the death of his father. He married Bernardette Burger and they were blessed with 8 children, Barbara Denise, Glenn Dale, Kenneth Leo, Raymond John, Virginia Marie, Rosanne Elizabeth, Joseph Paul, and Donald Robert.

Robert was hired by Mountain Bell, working to provide the Denver area with telephone service and quickly became a regional supervisor. He eventually progressed into engineering and became a manager in the downtown office. He volunteered for Boy Scouts of America and served as Scout Master for Troop 155, where he became a mentor and taught lifelong skills to boys throughout the Denver area. He enjoyed the rewards that came with seeing many young scouts he influenced turn out to be honorable responsible adults.

"Daddy" was a talented wood worker and designed, built and installed many home improvements for families all over the front range for extra income. His specialty was cabinetry.

After all his children were grown past their early teens, his life took a turn and he divorced Bernardette. He later married Mary Jo Varone in 1982 where they found a property in Pine, Colorado. He designed, contracted and with the help of his 8 children constructed his dream house, where he lived the rest of his life. He continued his passion to design and build. He made many friends and did many renovations in his mountain community. His creative work can be found in many homes and even some businesses.

Robert loved his animals. He and Mary Jo cared for many pets, finding joy in every one of them. There were dogs, cats, birds, chickens, and occasional wildlife that returned to the house on a regular basis (coyotes, foxes, wild turkeys, elk, deer, and many birds).

The family wishes to thank you all for your support, kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Robert's wishes were to be cremated and have his ashes sprinkled with his pets and sister Betty on his dream property. There will be no official service, but his children will gather to commemorate his life this summer. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local animal shelter.

To share a memory of Robert or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.