Robert Dennis Eckman passed away suddenly on Sept. 19, 2023 at the age of 55.

Rob was born in Haxtun on March 21, 1968 to Dennis and Barbara Eckman. He was raised on the family farm in Phillips County, along with his two younger brothers, and graduated from Haxtun High School in 1986. Rob always had a deep love for sports, competing in football, basketball and track during his high school career. After graduation, he continued his education at Colorado State University, where he served as president of the Lory Student Center and was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. He began working for Obermeyer Hydro Inc. his senior year, and in 1991, he completed college with a degree in mechanical Engineering. He remained with Obermeyer following graduation and assumed the position of vice-president of the company soon thereafter. In his 33 years of employment, Rob helped grow the Obermeyer gate installation list from 10 gates with a maximum height of four feet in the United States in the year 1990, to over 900 gate systems in 40 countries, including gate systems that were in excess of 26 feet and systems exceeding 1,000 feet in length.

While at Colorado State University and upon the recommendation of mutual friends, Rob asked Robin Marie Horner on a blind date to the FarmHouse Fraternity formal in 1989. They immediately became a couple, were married on Aug. 30, 1996 and made their home in Fort Collins from that time to the present. Rob and Robin raised a son, Treycen Robert, born in 2001, and a daughter, Rylie Anne, born in 2008.

Rob loved to attend concerts, sports games, go hunting and taking trips to the mountains to ski. He shared his passions with his children and enjoyed spending time with them by doing his favorite things. He also was a handyman and enjoyed building projects for his children and wife. Above all, his greatest passion was watching Treycen and Rylie play hockey and traveled all over Colorado and the states to watch them play.

Concurrent with Rob's career as a mechanical engineer, he and his brothers took over management of their parents' farm, expanding it significantly. The farm was important to Rob and he continued its legacy by taking his children for visits in Haxtun.

Rob is survived by his wife Robin, of 27 years; children Treycen and Rylie; mother Barbara Eckman; brothers Alan and wife Amanda Eckman and Russell and wife Stephanie Eckman; niece Dri; and nephew Rhett.

He is preceded in death by his father Dennis Eckman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rob Eckman memorial.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. at Rez Church in Loveland. Reverend Tom Rhoades will officiate.