Robert "Bob" E. England

Robert (Bob) E. England passed into eternal life on February 24, 2021, after a short stay at Lovelace Hospital.

His wife and two children were by his side during his final days. His grandchildren were also able to visit Grandpa via Zoom while he was in the hospital.

Robert was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Kathy) England for 51 years, dear father of Deanna Baca (Aaron) and William England (Megan), and treasured grandfather to Alyssa Baca, Nikolas Baca, Susanna Baca, Patrick England, and Christian England. He was the seventh child of Steward and Dora (Lovell) England, who preceded him in death, and brother to Donna Waters, Lois Anderson (deceased), Richard England, Shirley Halstead, Ronald England (deceased), and Russell England (Barb). Bob also behind numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Bob was born and raised on a farm in Western Nebraska, where he learned the stellar work ethic that he passed on to his children. Bob attended school in Morrill, Nebraska. He graduated from Morrill High School. While in high school, he took great pleasure in participating in band, football, and track. Bob joked that he could run so fast because one of his six older siblings was always chasing him. After graduating high school he joined the Navy. During his military service, Bob spent time at sea on a submarine and submarine-tender while cruising the waters of Vietnam, and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. While in the Navy, friends introduced Bob to the love of his life, Kathy, and they married on June 21, 1969, at San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside, California. 

Following the Navy, Bob attended Grossmont Junior College outside of San Diego. He continued on to Cal Poly Pomona, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture. The family relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975. Bob spent his early career in Albuquerque working for both small and large companies that focused on creating, installing, or maintaining landscapes for residential and business properties. In mid-career he established his own business and had a deep interest in xeric landscaping. Bob’s passion was always landscape design, and his designs would frequently become clear in a dream. He felt this was a gift from God. During the early 80s, he took a two-year detour to become a grounds supervisor for the University of Texas at Arlington, but his and his family's love of New Mexico brought them back to Albuquerque, where he remained the rest of his years.

Bob was a kind, compassionate, and unpretentious man who took pleasure in nature and in simple things. Bob loved New Mexico sunsets and sunrises, the Sandia Mountains changing colors at dusk, the spring flowers blooming and trees budding, driving to see fall colors, planting flower beds, watching nature's birds and creatures, eating a good meal, telling stories or jokes, reading, watching movies,and playing cribbage. He derived the most pleasure from spending time with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports; attending their dance performances, music recitals, and 4-H competitions; and sharing their academic achievements. Bob loved roadtrips with his wife and visiting botanic gardens, nature centers, and history museums. He had a lifelong love of music that began in high school when he played drums in a rock band. He liked country music and was an avid follower of the Eagles band. Bob was also a sports enthusiast, especially for college and professional football. During his retirement years, Bob enjoyed volunteering with Friends of the Rio Grande and with the Social Concerns Ministry at St. John XXIII Catholic Community in numerous programs such as handing out food boxes for people in need and making sandwiches to deliver to the homeless. 

 He is remembered for his wry and corny sense of humor, his warm and loving smile, and his kind and gentle heart.

Bob’s family wishes to thank those who upheld them during Bob’s final days with love, prayers, support, and encouragement. They also thank the excellent health-care providers and staff at Lovelace Medical Center for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his honor be sent to Make-a-Wish New Mexico (link below), 7400 Tiburon St. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109, or Francis House Catholic Worker, 528 Charleston SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108.

Bob's Life Celebration will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 11:00am.  Physical attendance will be limited to 75 people due to capacity restrictions. The Life Celebration will be live-streamed through Reflections' Facebook page. You do NOT need a Facebook account to view the live-streamed event. Please click the link below at the scheduled time to view the live-stream. Bob will be laid to rest at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" E. England, please visit our floral store.