Robert William Cherry, affectionately known as "Wild Bill," passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, in Loveland, Colorado, after bravely facing serious health challenges. Born on February 23, 1942, in Bristol, Colorado, Bill moved with his family to Loveland, Colorado in 1952, where he laid the foundation for a life marked by family, service, and innovation.
After joining the Navy at the age of 17, Bill pursued higher education at the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. His commitment to service led him to a career with the United States Navy, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander and earned a Naval Postgraduate Master's degree of Electrical Engineering, in Monterey, California. After 20 years of distinguished service, including many overseas deployments, Bill transitioned to a successful second career as an electrical engineer at Hewlett Packard, where he was recognized with numerous U.S. patent awards over 18 years.
A man of diverse interests, Bill was passionate about aviation, and rarely missed watching a space launch. He flew his RV6 airplane and maintained hangars in Loveland, Colorado, and Spicewood, Texas. He also enjoyed building computers and spending time outdoors on his farm, engaging in projects involving tractors, "mules", and alternative energy, which included his love for windmills. His innovative spirit and love for technology continued throughout his retirement.
Bill is survived by his siblings, Richard F. Cherry III (Sharon), Margo S. Kirkpatrick (Ron), and Danny Cherry; his daughters, Susan Kelly (Pat), Becky Kealy (Jim), and Patty Cashen (Carl); six grandchildren, Andria Fortier, Tyler Kelly, Cody Kealy, Elissa Koellner, Ben, and Alex Cashen; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard F. Cherry II and Maxine C. Cherry, and siblings Darrell J. Cherry, Charles A. Cherry, Donna L. Gruenwald, and Darlene Ann Sicklebower.
A viewing will be held on December 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at Viegut Funeral Home on December 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. Bill will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in the afternoon, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels Loveland and Berthoud or Volunteers of America.
