Robert Edward SINN

OBITUARY for RobertE.Sinn-Penfold; recent residence: Boulder, CO. Rob Sinn-Penfold passed away of natural causes at his home in Boulder on February 10. He was 77. Born on March 22, 1938, Rob was the oldest of Dr. B.M. and Ruth Sinn's three children and a Colorado resident for all his life. Rob grew up in Fairplay and Limon, Colo., married Karen Skinner in 1956 and attended Colorado State University. His daughter Lorin (Robyn) Sinn-Clark was born in 1957, his son Kirk Sinn in 1959. Rob graduated from CSU with a degree in agriculture, then taught high school science and auto mechanics in Ordway, Colo., for four years. He earned a Master in Science from Oregon State University in 1966, then moved to Boulder where he taught junior and high school science for the next 27 years. He retired in 1994. He was a talented and dedicated teacher, the kind who challenged students and made a lasting impression. Even after he retired, it was not unusual for former students to call or write to thank Rob for the impact he'd had their lives. Following Karen's passing, he married Paula Penfold in 1978. Their daughter Haley was born in 1982. Rob's wheat farm in Limon was one of the loves of his life. It was also the source of many days and nights of back-breaking work, sweat and challenge. Rob personally farmed those 640 acres for 28 years and last participated in harvest in 2012. He was a firm, at times impatient perfectionist with high standards for those he loved. It was important to Rob that his children have life skills and he toiled over the training he felt was imperative. He gave of himself tirelessly to make certain that his children, extended family and friends were well taken cared for. There was also a sense of imagination and wonder about Rob that those who knew him remember fondly. As his nephew Ward Penfold wrote in a letter to Rob, "with you we could be fighter pilots on Monday, cowboys and cowgirls on Tuesday, and train conductors on Wednesday. The possibilities were as endless as our imaginations." Second only to Rob's love for his family was his love for animals. He was a companion to over two dozen dogs, cats and birds over the course of his adult life. There was always a lucky animal that lived large under his vigilant, often indulgent care. He taught his family to respect animals as our friends and treat them with no less kindness. A consummate "Do-It-Yourselfer," there was nothing Rob couldn't do, build or fix once he set his mind to it. No task was too small nor challenge too big for him to master. "Hard worker" doesn't begin to describe Rob; the results of his work were consistent and often amazing. Once asked what animal he would choose to describe himself, Rob replied, "An ox: strong shoulders toiling unfailingly under the yoke of whatever the task at hand." Rob was an avid reader, historian and researcher with a memory for details. There were not many topics for which he didn't develop an expertise or be able to convince you of his knowledge. When asked for his advice it was useful, thoughtful and thorough. Among the many other things, Rob will be remembered fondly for his love of Christmas, his elaborate holiday yard displays (including a bright red dump truck spilling huge gifts), his CU Buff tailgating panache, his enthusiastic multiple vehicle participation at the annual Yesteryear Farm Show in Longmont, Colo, and his neighborhood Winter Solstice hay ride that drew an ever-growing number of participants. Rob enjoyed a good road trip and he appreciated a fast, well-tuned machine. Some of the best times with Rob were spent in his garage, his hands busy, his wisdom being shared. Rob lived a life of purpose and principle, a life that touched many and set an inspiring example as a teacher, farmer, mechanic, carpenter, historian, mentor, and friend. He was a deeply devoted family man who was much loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his wife Karen and his parents, Rob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Paula; daughter Haley; daughter Lorin and her family, Ed Clark, Dylan and Sarah Clark, Emmi and Hugh Braselton; son Kirk Sinn and his family, Anne and Riley Sinn; brother Steve Sinn, wife Jan, their children and grandchildren; sister Cheryl Clanin, husband Jack, and their children and grandchildren. At Rob's request, there will be no formal service. Family and friends will gather at Rob's farm and his sister Cheryl's home in late March. There will be a celebration of his life in Boulder in June. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Longmont Humane Society, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont, CO 80501; The Carousel of Happiness, 20 Lakeview Dr., Nederland, CO 80466; Step 13, 2029 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205; or Community Food Share, 650 S. Taylor, Louisville, CO 80027.

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