Robert Joseph Maio

September 9, 1945–November 1, 2016

Father, friend, brother, grandfather, colleague, and husband Robert Joseph Maio, 71, left this earthly plane in La Quinta, California, early November 1, 2016, from complications of pancreatic cancer.

Bob had a heart of gold and was probably generous to a fault. A selfless spirit, he would give away almost as much as he would earn in an effort to help others, particularly his children and close friends. As he neared the autumn of his career, Bob simplified his life, surrounding himself with only essentials—the people he loved, golf clubs, his music, guitars, and Band in a Box.

Born September 9, 1945, in Trinidad, Colorado, the third of Mario and Carolyn (Cesario) Maio’s five children, Bobby had the competitive spirit of a firstborn and put considerable energy into everything he did. He was the kind of guy who seemed to be able to do almost anything he put his mind to—athletically, intellectually, and musically.

Though he had heart problems, Bob was an athlete—he pitched for the high school baseball team and quarterbacked the varsity team. He was also a member of the first graduating class of the then-new Cheyenne Mountain High School, the close-knit class of 1963. Throughout his adult life, Bob maintained friendships with his CMHS classmates, particularly Jack Hubby, and looked forward to jamming with them when they visited for class reunions.

He also played a fierce game of tennis—to a point that his defibrillator would shock him and everyone in his midst. But no matter which sport he was playing, Bob kindly offered compliments and encouragement to other players.

His favorite sport, though, was golf. Whether working or playing, Bob would find a way to get a golf club into his hands, a pastime that led him to California in September 2013, though the real reason for his move was to be close to his beautiful daughters and twin granddaughters, Jenna and Ella.

Bob began his career in the mid-1960s working for his parents’ business, Service Typographers, using modern technology of the day. A hard-working, dedicated person, he continued to hone his skills in the software applications–development field. Bob eventually landed in the enterprise management software industry, developing corporation-specific applications for major global firms, and traveled almost weekly toward the close of his career. Retirement and heart-health conditions led Bob on a journey to try experimental procedures in various university hospitals in an effort to reduce his medications and enjoy a longer life with his family, but the procedures weren’t the answer.

Music was Bob’s passion. He immersed much of his life in music, playing tunes with others who shared the same feelings and respected the lyrics that can make music great. When his own words wouldn’t flow, he’d strum his Martin and defer to those of his favorite songwriters.

In his earlier years, Bob, his brother Richard, friend KJ Braithwaite, and others picked, strummed, and sang JT’s “Copperline,” John Stewart’s “California Bloodlines,” the Eagles’ “Last Resort,” and anything Paul Simon. In the late ’90s through late 2000s, he, Leigh, Dave, and friends would cover five decades of music in Saturday afternoon jam sessions—from Hank Williams to Peter, Paul and Mary to Sheryl Crow. Yes, life is music, and music is life.

Yet today his guitar is silent, and “The Boxer” has fought his last.

Exactly three years ago, he wrote, “You say you are possibly looking for a fresh start. Well, for me, this move may be a fresh end.” During his final weeks, he reminisced about all those who blessed him with a rich life. We will miss his gentle, loving spirit.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Mario, mother Carolyn, sister Carol Knutson, brothers Richard and Daniel. He is survived by his brother Ronald (Valerie), new bride Joyce Hoekstra, daughters Kristen Maio and Heather Maio, son-in-law Steve Hinrichs, twin granddaughters Gabriella and Genevieve, his children's mother Candice Strand, nieces, nephews, and many lifetime friends.