Robert Gene Busch ’65

Robert Gene Busch ’65 passed away on October 7, 2018, surrounded by his family. The class learned of Bob’s passing at the mini-reunion in Hanover several days later. Bob donated a ’65 Green Book, a 25th anniversary book, and his 1965 Aegis to the class several months before his death, and classmates assembled for a mini-reunion in Hanover on October 11 toasted the man many had known as a friend. Classmates Harry Crosswell and Bob McConnaughey attended the October 15 memorial service in Lakewood, Colorado. “The rest of the ’65 Beta pledge class were there in spirit,” said Pete Frederick ’65. Bob came to Dartmouth from Fort Collins, Colorado. At Dartmouth he was a member of the Beta and Sphinx. He returned to Colorado after graduation and earned his J.D. at the University of Denver College of Law in 1968. His summer job as a tour bus driver included stops at the Grand Lake Lodge, where he met Barbara Jean Grissom. They married in 1966. Upon graduation from law school, Bob went into private practice in Jefferson County, Colorado. He practiced law for 40 years with, as The Denver Post reported, “thoughtfulness and consideration of his clients, his adversaries, and the courts before which he appeared.” After he retired, Bob and Barbara enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. Bob is survived by Barbara; children Rob, Jeff, and Jennifer and their spouses; eight grandchildren; and siblings Bill, Harold, and Betty. His many friends will miss his outsize personality and warmth.