Robert L Leutwiler

 Robert Lester Leutwiler, 82, set sail for his final adventure on February 1, 2025, passing peacefully at Juniper Village Wellness Memory Care Center in Louisville, CO. Born on August 19, 1942, in Greeneville, TN, to Lester Glen Leutwiler and Anne Louise Still, Robert grew up in St. Louis, MO, where he graduated from Ladue High School in 1960 proudly finishing with honors.

 Robert’s love for the great outdoors was sparked by cherished childhood trips to Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether he was camping, horseback riding, fishing, or searching for eagle feathers with his father, he found pure joy in nature. A dedicated Boy Scout, he carried those skills through life, always prepared and adventurous. Summers at Camp Sea Gull in North Carolina further shaped his character, where he learned to sail, tie knots, and start fires in the old-fashioned way (rubbing sticks together, of course!). His natural leadership and kindness made him a favorite among campers and counselors. By 1957, he had achieved Scouting’s highest rank by earning the esteemed Eagle Scout award certificate.

 His adventurous spirit led him to the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he pursued a double major in Business and Mechanical Engineering while juggling an impressive list of extracurricular activities: Naval ROTC, Phi Delta Theta, the gymnastics and field teams, the CU ski team, and even part-time work with the Rocky Mountain Fire & Rescue.

 After graduating in 1965, Robert proudly served in the Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser Canberra (CAG-2). His service took him to Vietnam, where he earned several honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal and two Bronze Stars. Ever the scholar, he also found time to earn a master’s degree in business administration from USC in 1968 and later a designation in Personal Financial Planning.

 Robert’s professional career spanned finance, engineering, and entrepreneurship, culminating in his own financial services firm, which he ran until his well-earned retirement in 2018. But as much as he was dedicated to his work, his heart was always with the mountains, the sea, and the people he loved.

 A man of quiet strength and deep passion, Robert had an abiding love for nature: eagles, hummingbirds, dolphins, and turtles were among his favorites. He was a devoted husband to his beloved Beautiful Barbara, whom he vowed to marry again in the next life (and the one after that!). His sense of humor never wavered, even in his final days, bringing smiles to those around him.

 Robert was an avid skier, sailor, runner, and mountain climber, conquering peaks from Colorado to Canada to Africa. A longtime member of the Grand Lake Yacht Club, he shared many joyful days sailing with his stepson, Andrew Scrivner, competing in regattas and supporting the club’s Sailing Foundation. He was also a proud supporter of the Grand Lake Repertory Theater, the Grand Lake First Responders, and the Grand County Animal Shelter. Additionally, Robert loved his membership with the Boulder Rotary. He led the collaboration with a Brazilian Rotary group to provide the first freshwater tanks to the Fulnio Indians, the only indigenous tribe in Northeastern Brazil. Barbara and Robert were the second outsiders permitted into their culture. 

 Robert was loved deeply and will be missed beyond measure. His legacy of adventure, integrity, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

 Sail on, Robert. You were one of a kind.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Louise Leutwiler; brother-in-law Don Brandenburger; and stepson, J. Andrew Scrivner. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara MacCornack Leutwiler; his stepson, J. Brandon Scrivner of Longmont, CO; and his sisters, Jean Brandenburger and Ann Gasaway (Mack); their families and his first wife, Leslie Sise married in 1965.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions are always appreciated: 

Choice Hospice, 6041 So. Syracuse Way, Greenwood Village, CO 80111;  

The GLYC Sailing Foundation, P.O. Box 624. Granby, CO 80446; 

Home Instead, (devoted caregivers) 183 So. Taylor Ave, Suite # 161, Louisville, CO 80027. 

 A Celebration of Life is planned for May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 2425 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80302. A light-catered lunch will be served immediately following service.