Robert William Reardon - Memorial is a Zoom Event Only

After an extended illness, “Bob/Papa” Reardon fell asleep in death on November 29, 2023, with his family by his side. His happy and rich life was filled with love, purpose, and adventure.

Bob was born on July 27, 1947 to James and Helen Reardon of Cedar Rapids, IA, and enjoyed his role as big brother to five siblings. Carol, Jeanne, Dan, Linda and Bill. Bob’s first job was working alongside his father at The Paramount Pharmacy and The Pill Box. He was very helpful at home and on his grandparents farm, doing all the “manly” jobs. He graduated from Jefferson High School, went to college in Mankato, MN, and spent 13 months in the Navy in Vietnam. He told his sisters and sons later about water skiing behind the naval ship. He could always tell a story and make people smile and chuckle. When he returned to the states, he married the love of his life, Diana Lynn Button on May 17, 1970. They made their first home in Cedar Rapids, where he worked in the Iowa State Highway Department, and had a full share in I-380.

Bob and Diana started studying the Bible and found within it, satisfying answers to questions they had. Bob’s baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 13, 1973 was a milestone in his life, as he began to express the unshakable faith he had developed in the Bible’s promises and God’s loving personality. This moved him to live as a person of true integrity, and to volunteer his time to share the Bible’s comfort and hope for the future with others. Even in recent days when he could no longer speak, he reminded his neighbors, nursing staff, and those who would visit that he was firmly convinced of the solution to all problems: God’s Kingdom.

Bob and Diana’s family came to include Diana’s youngest sister Lisa, who lived with them for several years.  Later, their nest was full of energy and life with three sons, Xaq Ó Ríordáín formely know as Zach, Zeb, and Zeke. While the first two boys were very young they moved to Colorado, and Bob began working for Otis Elevator. They all treasure the memories made during their many adventures in the great outdoors, spending time in the mountains, camping, going on picnics, and off-roading in the family Jeepster Commando and later, Suzuki Samurai and dirt bikes. In addition to his fun-loving character, the satisfaction he found in working hard to provide for his family always came through. As a problem-solver turned engineer and inventor, he passed on practical skills and ingenuity to his sons. His devotion to his children was impossible to doubt, because it was expressed in affection and stability. Later in life “Papa” had the joy of becoming a grandpa to grandsons Graham and Beck, and granddaughter Berkley.

With his great love for people, it’s no surprise that the most special place in his heart was for his wife, Diana; her joy was his joy. He selflessly gave whatever he could of his time and energy to bring her happiness during their 53 ½ years of marriage, and the time they shared was filled with creative and beautiful proofs of lasting love and true loyalty. When the boys had grown and left the house, the two of them explored and discovered beautiful places in their Mustang convertible. Close to home, Boulder was a favorite spot of theirs, as they loved to visit and watch all the artists perform. After retirement, Bob was busy designing and building, transforming ideas from Diana’s imagination into reality and making their home a unique and inviting place to share with others they loved. They also collaborated to bring to life her concepts into live performances, and Bob was even featured in one memorable role as Captain Smith of The Titanic.

Bob’s love for his Mom, Dad and siblings still strong, added to his loving heart honorary family. His heart expanded to love more and more people wherever he went throughout his life. Including Diana's brothers, Dave Button and Wayne Button and her sisters Sandi McSweeney and Lisa Dixon as well as their mates and children. He loved the six different congregations he attended in both Iowa and Colorado, as well. His upbeat, positive, jovial nature drew others to him and spread to all who came to know him, and no one could resist one of his hilarious stories! Googly eyes, stickers, and little solar waving characters would pop up in random places after his frequent trips to collect them at DollarTree. 

Reflecting his legendary hospitality and enthusiasm for woodworking, he was inspired to build an outdoor Irish Pub during the recent pandemic, allowing friends to laugh together and support each other while keeping safe distance. It’s a peaceful scene to picture Bob riding his motorcycle through the states with his son, or the awe-inspiring mountains of Colorado with his group of buddies he fondly named “The Woodmoor Chippers.” These are just some of the moments that Bob treasured, and we do, too. He also cherished his morning coffee with his buddies. 

Many would say that an unforgettable characteristic of Bob was always being ready and willing to help others in moments of need, whether that meant using his building skills for their benefit, offering a hug, or making food deliveries. True to his nature, even when he didn’t feel well, he didn’t complain, but with a smile on his face made sure to put his wife and friends first. Even when in the hospital, he would thank his caregivers and say something to brighten their day by giving them pies, cards, or other gifts to show that he appreciated them. He loved his neighbors, and loved sharing with them.  Many of them, came to be part of the family as well, even shoveling driveways and taking the trash out. In the difficult last years, they returned the love he showed. He was adored and will be greatly missed by his family, countless friends, and community.

Bob is survived by his wife, Diana Lynn Reardon of Castle Pines, CO; son Xaq Ó Ríordáín of West Virginia; son Zeb (Tammy) Reardon of Vinton, IA; son Zeke (Juliet) Reardon of Parker, CO; grandsons Graham and Beck, grand-daughter Berkley; sister-in-law Lisa (Ivan) Dixon, Topeka, KS; honorary grandsons Camden and Kai LeFevre; Siblings Carol (Greg) Egger, Jeanne O’Dean, Dan (Cindy) Reardon, Linda Kirsch, Bill Reardon and many beloved nieces and nephews; mother Helen Reardon. Cousins, Janet & Larry. He was preceded in death by his father James Reardon and brother-in-law Bob Kirsch.

We wish to offer a sincere expression of gratefulness to all the caregivers, neighbors, and hundreds of friends who helped to make Bob’s last year full and meaningful.

A couple sayings, you could hear Bob say, was he “loved the love”, or he was trying to “keep his sunny side up” and when parting he would say “ L’HITRA OT, Hebrew for “I’ll be seeing you, forever.” So for now, L’Hitra Ot.

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