Robert Lessard

Robert Michael (Bob) Lessard of Molina, CO, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Grand Junction, CO after a long battle with cancer. He was born, May 16 th , 1948, in Prescott, Arizona, to Joseph Grover Lessard and Ruth Frances (Powers) Lessard, a third-generation native born Arizonian from both sides of his early Arizona Territory, Yavapai County Ranching and Railroad Family lines.

Bob Lessard grew up in Prescott, Arizona and graduated from Prescott High School in 1966. He was very active in many local activities and school sports teams. He went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a BA Degree in Secondary Education in 1970.

Bob had many professional roles throughout his life. After graduating from Arizona State University, he started teaching Physical Education and Driver Safety Education at Agua Fria High School, Avondale, AZ, where he also served as the Agua Fria HS Football Program Head Coach. He later worked with both the City of Phoenix and the State of Arizona Motor Vehicle Department’s as Safety Program Manager. Bob also worked in Safety Management roles starting in Arizona, and then in Denver CO, for Digby Navajo Express Trucking and Transportation Company. Later relocating to Grand Junction, CO, he was a Safety Program Manager for Groendyke Trucking and Transportation. Bob also served with the Plateau Valley Fire District in Mesa, CO and, for many years he was a volunteer for HopeWest Hospice in Plateau Valley and a substitute Teacher at Plateau Valley High School.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Grover Lessard and Ruth Frances (Powers) Lessard, his wife Margaret “Ann” (Bowling), his wife “Lisa” Marie (Litsy) and his wife “Jobyna” Kathryn (Lytle).

Bob is survived by his brother Dennis J. (Debbie) Lessard of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter Susie (Eric) Bevan of Mesa, CO; daughter Liz Heidrick of Crawford, Co; his son, Daniel (Krystal) Troyer of Erie, CO; his son Zach (Hannah) Lessard of Lochbuie, CO; his step-daughter Kadee (Joe) Sundby; and 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Bob loved his large family, always visiting and attending as many family events as possible. He always followed the achievements of all his children and grandchildren and let everyone know about them in “great detail”. Never opting to be fully retired at any time, Bob really enjoyed and loved his work and associations with the Fire District, in volunteering and in substitute teaching at the High School.