William Morris “Rob” Vogel passed away on January 29, 2023, at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, CO.
Born March 25, 1950, in Laramie, WY, Rob grew up in Rock River with his older three half-siblings. He was an active child who spent a lot of his time with his parents who owned and operated the Vogel Lumber Yard and the Longhorn Motel & Restaurant. When it was time to check the cattle, he would accompany his maternal grandfather Harry Luckinbill on Mule #49. In the summer months, when visiting his Aunt Danna and Uncle Otto, who ran the Kleen Dairy in Elk Mountain, he was assigned fly-swatting duty, bringing in the cows to be milked and helping deliver milk and cream to customers.
In the early 1960’s WY winters became too much for Rob’s mother Gladys, so Bud, Rob’s father, purchased a motel in Brownsville TX, making their family of three, snowbirds. While attending Stella Junior High, in 1965 Rob broke the city record when he threw a shotput 48’ 10.5”. Living in Texas at the time meant football was everything. In high school, Rob was the starting defensive linebacker and captain for the Brownsville Eagles. They played the final state championship game in the Astro Dome. In his free time, Rob loved riding motorcycles with friends on both sides of the Rio Grande and spending time with his classmate who lived over the border in Mexico. After a hurricane, he took a job with an underwater welding company. The navy had sunk WWII ships to form an artificial reef. The crew he joined cut holes in the ships for safety and aesthetics. He loved the work (and the money), but not the little critters that got into his suit.
When the family returned to WY full-time, Rob finished high school at UW Prep where he was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA). He won a trip to Washington D.C. where he won a tool identification competition. Interstate 80 had opened by this time, circumventing all the small towns. The economy of Rock River plummeted. The Vogel family purchased the old Byrd’s Bait Shop in West Laramie and moved to Laramie. They built onto the existing building and in 1967 established The Boardwalk, a retail store with Native American artifacts, jewelry, and a gift shop. Later, they added a Tack and Saddlery Shop. Rob worked there for 52 years. After high school graduation in 1969, Rob and his friend Jim Routson spent a month hunting in British Columbia. That fall, he enrolled at the University of WY to seek his degree in Industrial Arts.
As an adult, Rob was active in his motorcycling club, which groomed the trail each year, until the Forest Service disallowed them to do so. He was also part of the Search and Rescue Team. As a hunter from childhood, he and his teammates were able to find lost people in the Medicine National Forest. He loved to hunt and pack in British Columbia and Alaska. He and his father packed enough animals home to fill an entire trophy room with elk, antelope, moose, caribou, bears, wolves, and mountain sheep to name a few. He was a certified welder. His knowledge of metallurgy led him to make and repair jewelry. Yet, his favorite work endeavor was to build harnesses. . In the 1970s, he was offered a position in Queen Elizabeth II’s harness shop. The Budweiser Clydesdales and the Channel 9 News team both owned and used Rob’s harnesses.
Rob married thrice. First to Marilyn Sturgeon in 1971, to Vickie (Moneypenny) Hackett in 1983, and to Crystal McWilliams in 2000. He and Vickie raised her two daughters together. On July 27, 1986, he, his friend Jerry Gillespie and his future son-in-law, Robert Oberle, were riding their motorcycles in the Arlington area when Rob hit a rock in the road. While the motorcycle had only a few dollars’ worth of damages, Rob became a C5-6 quadriplegic, paralyzing his hands and his body from the chest down. He rehabbed at Poudre Valley Hospital, while the Albany County community helped with fundraisers. No stranger to finding the right tool for the job, Rob used a plethora of adaptive aids, such as his tenodesis splints which enabled him to use his biceps to control hand movements. He was constantly finding ways to do what he wanted. He loved BBQing by himself, helping customers, running the cash register, and watering the garden. At the time of the accident, Rob was 36 years old. He was 72 years old at his passing; thus he spent just over half his life on wheels. He worked diligently not to be seen as disabled but as empowered to be the best he could be. He would say he had no regrets, but if he could be able-bodied for just one day, his dream was to “do an honest day’s work.”
Rob is survived by his wife Crystal, daughters Maxine (Robert) Oberle and Toni (Steve) Grayling, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, half-siblings Frank Vogel, Donna (Tommy) George and his best friend Jerry Gillespie.
He was proceeded in death by his parents William Sylvester “Bud,” and Gladys Effie (Luckinbill) Vogel, half-brother James Newton “Jim” Vogel, and infant sister Beverly Ann Vogel.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. February 25, 2023, at the Laramie Railroad Depot at 600 S. First Street, Laramie WY. A reception will immediately follow at the same location. For those unable to come in person, please join us via Zoom (ID # 919 928 5654 Passcode: 5GHExZ). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the World Central Kitchen (wck.org). This is the not-for-profit company that is providing meals to earthquake survivors in Turkey, or your favorite charity. Thank you.
35 Comments To "William Morris “Rob” Vogel"
#1 Comment By Dicksie Knight May On February 11, 2023 @ 7:13 am
Crystal, you have my deepest sympathy. I have thought of you both often over the years and want you to know I care. Dicksie May
#2 Comment By Oliver Hill On February 11, 2023 @ 8:03 am
Crystal and family. So sorry for your loss. We pray for strength and peace for you during this difficult time. Blessings.
Oliver and Joyce Hill
#3 Comment By Tammy Powell On February 11, 2023 @ 8:06 am
I’m so sorry to learn of Rob’s passing. Prayers to you Chrystal.
#4 Comment By Linda Flynn On February 11, 2023 @ 10:48 am
Crystal
Grief is not about forgetting, but about remembering. It’s the remembering that gives you the strength to keep going. As you grieve your wonderful husband, please know that I am mourning along with you and that you are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.
#5 Comment By Nadine Tremblay On February 11, 2023 @ 8:17 pm
Crystal, I am so sorry to hear of Robs passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rob was a very special man. It was a pleasure to know him.
Nadine (Twila and Andy’s Granddaughter)
#6 Comment By Peggy Joyce On February 11, 2023 @ 8:38 pm
Crystal and Family, we are so sorry for for loss. We always enjoyed seeing you both at the Boardwalk 💙 and out at PT. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you. 💙
Peggy & Bill Joyce
#7 Comment By The Kenehans On February 11, 2023 @ 8:56 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul and Nell Kenehan
#8 Comment By Tammy Au-France On February 12, 2023 @ 7:31 am
So very sorry for your loss Crystal.
#9 Comment By George Geal On February 12, 2023 @ 4:35 pm
Crystal, I am so sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. I always enjoyed my brief visits. You and Rob are always such an inspiration. my thoughts and prayers are with y’all. Thanks to you both for being my friend. Rest in peace my friend.
#10 Comment By Mary Elizabeth Galvan On February 12, 2023 @ 4:39 pm
I am so sorry, Crystal.
#11 Comment By Cherri Hasenkamp On February 12, 2023 @ 5:13 pm
Crystal, you are in Linda’s and my prayers. We know this won’t be easy. We’re praying for you to remain strong and at peace.
#12 Comment By Holly Cordary On February 13, 2023 @ 7:36 am
Sorry about your loss of Rob, Crystal. Your husband will be remembered for years to come. I will cherish my leather chaps he made me. He always had a great shop that I enjoyed with great many artifacts and leather goods. Sympathy and prayers for you during this difficult time.
#13 Comment By cyndi cowardin On February 13, 2023 @ 11:47 am
I am sorry for your Loss of Rob Crystal. I will always remember going in to the shop with my parents and visiting with you guys. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cyndi Vieyra
#14 Comment By Steve and Brenda Webb On February 13, 2023 @ 1:05 pm
Crystal and family, We are so sorry for your loss and have you in our prayers.
#15 Comment By Anonymous On February 13, 2023 @ 1:08 pm
Maxine and Crystal, I am sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. May you find peace in the loving memories that you share.
#16 Comment By Ken and Alice Erickson On February 13, 2023 @ 2:45 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Rob was a great guy that we were so privileged to know and share time with.
#17 Comment By Terri Jones On February 15, 2023 @ 1:17 am
Crystal, you have my heartfelt sympathy. Rob will always be remembered in love and admiration for his kindness and abilities, may God bless him.
#18 Comment By Julie Baugher On February 15, 2023 @ 9:38 pm
I couldn’t have started my leatherworking career at a better place. Rob took a chance on me in the 8O’s, a female saddlemaker & I’m sure it wasn’t easy. Now that I teach leatherwork, I say his name at least once a day, teaching things he taught me. I will be forever grateful for the kindness & knowledge he shared with me. Rest in eternal peace my friend, you deserve it.
#19 Comment By Angelika Young On February 15, 2023 @ 10:41 pm
Chrystal, this is Angelika, so sorry for your loss. I will always remember ROB and his Boardwalk, it was a privilege getting to know both of you. I will keep you in my thoughts. Angelika Young.
#20 Comment By Marilyn Sturgeon On February 16, 2023 @ 10:57 am
My thoughts are with you at this time.
#21 Comment By Diana Marlow On February 16, 2023 @ 3:54 pm
My sympathies to Crystal and the Vogel family.
#22 Comment By Victoria Bruk On February 18, 2023 @ 8:37 pm
My dear Crystal, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is filled with gratitude that our paths crossed in 2001. I will never forget kindness that you and Rob treated me with at the beginning of my journey in the US. Sending much love and prayers.
#23 Comment By Rebecca Roberts On February 19, 2023 @ 9:34 am
My heart goes out to you, Crystal and to your family. Rob will be remembered for his kindness and resilience. I was so blessed to get to know you both.
#24 Comment By JOHN MASUR On February 19, 2023 @ 10:22 am
Crystal, I am so sorry to hear about Rob. He was a wonderful man, and you are a spectacular wife. Please know you are in our prayers. If you need anything, we are only a phone call away. Love, John and Penny Masur
#25 Comment By Dena Bijold On February 19, 2023 @ 10:37 am
Oh Crystal! I am so very sorry! Rob was always such a delight, I enjoyed our short little visits. I know they weren’t fun for him, but they had a purpose. I learned such important lessons about making the best out of tough situations and loving through hard times from both of you. I wish I could be there in person to celebrate Rob’s life with you, but I will be there in spirit. Rob will be missed, he inspired so many people by just being himself. We are all better for knowing him. ❤
#26 Comment By Dan Nelson On February 19, 2023 @ 3:07 pm
Rob was an amazing example of not letting one’s disability take over his life and his spirit. Over the years, he did several projects for me — always with the greatest results and perfection. We visited about his Aunt Georgena (sp?) and uncle Otto and the Kleen Dairy in Elk Mountain. lived down the “lane” a couple of “blocks” from them. Fun memories of simplier times. Rest in Peace, Rob! You are now free of all earthly restraints.
#27 Comment By Barb Page On February 19, 2023 @ 4:19 pm
We absolutely adored Rob and Gladys. A trip to town wasn’t complete without a visit to the Boardwalk.
I will always cherish the memories.
No one else ever made reins like the ones that came out of the Boardwalk.
So sorry for your loss, Crystal.
Tom and Barb Page
#28 Comment By Terry pantier On February 19, 2023 @ 5:19 pm
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Rob
#29 Comment By Debby Wiltse On February 19, 2023 @ 7:58 pm
Rob was a great guy. I patronize his shop at the boardwalk many times. It was always great to see Rob. I’m so sorry that I will be out of town and will not be able to attend the memorial. I will be there in spirit.
#30 Comment By Tami (Peterson) Swaby On February 19, 2023 @ 8:33 pm
So many memories while working with Rob. Great guy!! Crystal I send my deepest condolences. Thank you for allowing me into your home for those few short years. I loved getting to know you both. Have thought of you often. I know Rob is probably enjoying a good motorcycle ride again.
#31 Comment By Siguna Mueller On February 20, 2023 @ 3:00 pm
Dearest Crystal, Rob and you were the most amazing people I got to know in Laramie – true angels indeed! Rob was such a compassionate, kind, supportive, and loving soul! It would be impossible to describe the many ways he and you have helped me, both practically, and in spirit – as TRUE friends … of the type I have not met others. I am so truly sorry for your loss.
#32 Comment By Bobbie Proctor Andrews-Green On February 20, 2023 @ 3:15 pm
Crystal, hugs and prays for you and all of Rob’s family. I am here for you anytime. Call anytime. Love you dear friend. I will never forget your first dance with Rob on his lap at your wedding. I was so blessed to be able to be at your wedding.
#33 Comment By Bill Walseth On February 22, 2023 @ 1:26 pm
Rob created so many memories over the many years he mended my friend’s and my saddles and harnesses. He also skillfully created new bridles & breast collars & etc to our special requests. There were times I thought that we were totally financing the Boardwalk ;~}. No regrets and now I know he treated us with all the kindness and competencies that he treated Queen Elizabeth 11! We join Crystal, Maxine, Toni, the George family, and all the rest of you who are missing this fine man!
Bill Walseth &
Ardis Collins
#34 Comment By Chris Hogan On March 1, 2023 @ 9:25 am
Sending so much love ❤️
#35 Comment By Sindy, Seth and Ezra On January 25, 2024 @ 12:19 pm
Oh how we miss you, rob!!!
Ezra, Seth and I frequented the Boardwalk often.
And rob and crystal were always such a joy.!!!
My young boys looked forward to our visits with them.
For their knowledge, stories and kind souls..
We always made it a priority to stop at the boardwalk on our trips to Laramie Just to visit with rob and crystal.
God bless you crystal…
Rest in peace, rob.
🙂