Robert Nicholas Rogers, known as Bob to family and friends, was a lifelong educator, music and nature enthusiast, and devoted husband and father. Born in San Francisco, California, November 4, 1933, Bob graduated from Stanford University, where he did his undergraduate studies and obtained his PhD in physics. He began a career in academia that lasted into his seventies, teaching as a university physics professor, as well as various dean and department chair roles, beginning at Wesleyan University, continuing at the University of Colorado Denver, and ultimately at San Francisco State University. He was one of three founding members of the CU Denver Physics department in 1967.

Always wanting to learn more about the universe and how it worked, Bob instilled a keen sense of curiosity and an excitement for learning in his students, family and friends. He combined a wry sense of humor with a seemingly vast knowledge and capacity for learning.

Bob married Alvena Scheper in 1955, raising four children, Richard Rogers (spouse Annette Carson, children Zeke Rogers and Mimi Rogers), Robin Rogers (spouse Steve Bohm), Barbara Rogers, and Mary Rogers (spouse Donald Dean) before divorcing in 1992. Bob was a devoted and caring father who encouraged all of his children to pursue their dreams with commitment and excellence. He shared his love of the outdoors with his family, at times to their chagrin when showing a certain fearlessness in his canoeing, kayaking and skin diving adventures.

In 2009, Bob met Connie Mulholland and the two fell in love, marrying in 2010. They shared a passion for travel, and music, and enjoyed many wonderful trips to foreign destinations, as well as camping in their motorhome throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. Bob's love for Connie remained strong and Connie was a pillar of support when Bob's diagnosis of Alzheimer's upended their lives. Connie was Bob's primary, and for the most part his only, caregiver from the time of his diagnosis until he drew his last breath. Despite the struggles with his illness, Bob's loving, cheerful spirit remained. Bob succumbed to the disease, after 11 years, on September 3, 2021, at age 87, with Connie by his side in their home.

Adapted from an obituary published by The Press Democrat, September 19, 2021.