COQUOZ, Robert Joseph

Robert (Bob) Joseph Coquoz, 76, died Sept. 28, at his home in Grand Junction. He was surrounded by his family the last few days of his life. Coquoz was born in Denver. He was the third-generation Coquoz who had lived in Leadville and operated the Rocky Mountain dairy; he attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Leadville High School in 1947. He met Helen Machay while visiting relatives in Denver and knew at that moment they would spend the rest of their lives together. He married her in 1953 and then went into the Army and fought in the Korean War. The couple had three children, Debbie (Shuey), Robert and David Coquoz. Anyone who knew Coquoz knew how important his family was to him. He was a family man. He spent weekends with his family on Jeep rides, fishing and camping while his children where growing up. All three of his children love the outdoors to this day. Coquoz delivered milk from the time he returned from the war until the Rocky Mountain Dairy closed its doors in 1980. He enjoyed visiting with people and never minded the “emergency” deliveries on Saturday and Sunday. People often would see him giving treats to the customers’ dogs. Throughout most of Coquoz’ life, his Uncle Andre (Koke) and family friend John Dornick lived with the family. When Coquoz’ wife died suddenly in 1990, he continued to care for his Uncle Andre until Andre died in 1993. At that time, due to poor health, Coquoz had to move to a lower altitude. He lived in Battlement Mesa for six years and then lived in Grand Junction for the last seven years. Coquoz loved music and had a high-school band that he and his sister, Evelyn Berthod, played in. Their band never had a name, but their theme song was “Four Leaf Clover.” He had a beautiful voice and often at family gatherings there were impromptu “jam” sessions. Music was a very important part of his life. Coquoz also loved to write poetry. Whether it was a birthday, anniversary or another special event, he would write a poem and surprise the person with a poem in a card. He never forgot a family member’s birthday or anniversary. Coquoz was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents Rene and Bertha Coquoz, infant brother Robert Rene, and his grandson Jared Shuey. He is survived by his children: Debbie (Curt) Shuey of Kenai, Alaska; Robert (Sue) Coquoz of Meeker; and David (Kim) Coquoz of Grand Junction; his sister Evelyn (Jim) Berthod; and his grandchildren, Jason, Kristlynn, Jesse, Jeremy and Jordan Coquoz; and nephew Jim (Jill) Berthod. The family requests that any donations be made in memory of his grandson Jared and sent to the Jared Shuey Memorial Fund, c/o Debbie Shuey, 35077 Kalifornsky Beach Road, Kenai, AK 99611. Herald Democrat