Robert "Bob" Armstrong

Robert Ertice "Bob" Armstrong, a dedicated family man, proud Eagle Scout, and lifelong public servant, passed away on October 27, 2026 at the age of 87.

Born on November 30, 1938, to Hugh Urtice Armstrong and Robbie Crisp Armstrong, Bob learned the value of hard work early in life. As a youth in Fort Worth, Texas, he managed a large paper route and balanced multiple jobs to help support his family. He graduated from Carter High School in 1957, where he played football, and went on to attend Arlington State College. Dedicated to his education, he worked his way through the A&M College of Texas (now Texas A&M University), working in the campus cafeteria to pay his tuition until his graduation in 1962. During his college years, Bob excelled as a member of the Range and Forestry Club and the A&M Plant Identification team, earning top honors.

Following his graduation, Bob began a distinguished 38-year career protecting and managing America’s public lands. He started by fighting fires with the U.S. Forest Service before joining the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1962. His career took him across the West, serving as a Natural Resource Specialist and Environmental Coordinator in Craig and Meeker, Colorado; Kanab, Utah; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Known for his superior service, he received high honors from the United States Department of the Interior before retiring in 2000. Bob also proudly served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the National Guard.

On July 10, 1966, Bob married the love of his life, Paula Ruth Starbuck. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage, raising two children and eventually settling in Grand Junction, Colorado, in 2004 to be close to family.

Bob was committed to his community and youth mentorship. A lifelong Scouter, Bob earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award in his youth and spent summers teaching canoeing and rowing at Worth Ranch. As an adult, he continued his service as a troop leader in Santa Fe, receiving the "Service to Troop" honor in 1982. One of his greatest joys was seeing both his son and grandson follow in his footsteps to become Eagle Scouts.

In his retirement, Bob loved tending to his garden—always aiming to grow corn "as high as an elephant's eye"—church activities, and competitive race walking. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kind spirit, dedicated work ethic, and loving ways.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Paula; his son, Paul Armstrong and wife Heather Stickler; his daughter, Cynthia Armstrong and Chris Becker; and his cherished grandchildren, Josie, Walker, Lexi, Cia, and Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Virginia Armstrong Burris.

A service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, November 7th at Church On The Rock, 2170 Broadway, Grand Junction.