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Robert Earl Caldwell OBITUARY

Robert Earl Caldwell (‘Bob’ or ‘Buffalo Bob’) passed away on August 4, 2026, in Boulder, Colorado, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda Harvey Caldwell; his children, Christy Caldwell Kuosman (David), Robert Scott Caldwell ‘Scott’ (Cathy), and Jeffrey Davis Caldwell; and his cherished grandchildren, Kathleen Elizabeth Kuosman, Anne Davis Kuosman, Lucien Meis Caldwell ‘Luc’, and Robert Mac Caldwell ‘Mac’.

Bob was born in Maywood, California, and spent most of his childhood in Villa Park, where he enjoyed swimming, football, baseball, and countless adventures among the orange groves surrounding his home. His father, Earl Caldwell, was a California Highway Patrol officer prior to co-founding the Three C’s Swim Club in Orange, California, with his two brothers. As a teenager, Bob worked at the family swim club as a lifeguard and instructor, eventually becoming an AAU Swim Coach. There he met a 16-year-old named Linda Harvey, when her mother, Elizabeth ‘Bookie’ Harvey, signed her up for diving lessons. What began as diving lessons grew into a lifelong love story that led to their marriage on December 28, 1962, and a remarkable partnership spanning more than six decades.

After graduating from Orange High School, Bob set out for Boulder, sight unseen, on a Greyhound bus to attend the University of Colorado, where he earned a degree in Economics in 1962. He was also an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. His passion for the University of Colorado lasted a lifetime and earned him the nickname ‘Buffalo Bob’ and the grandfather nickname ‘Buff’.

Following graduation, Bob served as a Naval officer and flight navigator at Moffat Field during the Vietnam War. In 1966 he began a distinguished career in commercial real estate, which took him from San Jose to Sacramento, Denver, and Colorado Springs. Over the next several decades, he held leadership roles with Coldwell Banker Commercial, Schuck Commercial Brokerage, and Grubb & Ellis, helping shape commercial real estate markets throughout Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.

Bob’s greatest professional satisfaction came not from transactions or titles but from mentoring others. Colleagues frequently remarked on his unique ability to make people feel valued, capable, and inspired. His encouragement, humor, generosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impact on countless careers and friendships.

A lifelong advocate for the University of Colorado, Bob served on the CU Board of Regents from 1986 through 1992. Together with Linda, he donated football scholarships beginning in 1978 and supported CU athletics, academic initiatives, medical research, and numerous university programs, culminating in the endowment of the Caldwell Family Scholarship.

Family was at the center of Bob’s life. He and Linda built a life filled with adventure, friendship, and unwavering commitment to each other and their children and grandchildren.They shared a passion for Colorado, the University of Colorado, and Maui, Hawaii, where they spent many cherished winters with family and friends in Wailea.

Throughout his lifetime, Bob received numerous professional, civic, and university honors. While he appreciated the recognition, he was most proud of the relationships he built, the people he mentored, and the family he loved so deeply.

Bob lived a life of purpose, service, friendship, and love. His legacy endures in his family, in the many lives he touched, in the communities he helped build, and in the institutions he faithfully supported. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Byron R. White Club at Folsom Field on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions may be offered to any of the following: University of Colorado at Boulder CU Anschutz Cancer Center Assistance Dogs of Hawaii (c/o of Maureen Mauer, PO Box 1803, Makawao, HI 96768) Whale Trust (Research) (c/o of Dr. Megan Jones; PO Box 1360, Puunene, HI 96784)