With Gratitude for the Life of Bob Molison

Dear Foothills friends and members, 
 
We are writing to let you know that beloved long-time church member, Bob Molison, died this past Saturday, January 8, at the age of 86. Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann, their daughter Laura, son Chris, and their grandchildren Kayla, Ally, Alejandro, and Javier, as well as his sister, Mary, and many other extended family members.
 
Bob and Ann have been active members of Foothills for three decades and were connected in Unitarian Universalism since the 1960s when they were married by the Rev. Jack Mendelsohn at the historic Arlington Street Chapel on the Boston Commons. Since arriving in Fort Collins, Bob has been a centerpiece of the Foothills choir, including serving as interim choir director on more than one occasion. He helped find and hire a number of our music staff, and he was always willing to jump in and help support and guide Foothills’ music ministry over the years. Bob has also been a dear friend to many in our community, and will be especially missed by his Tuesday lunch crew.  
 
Bob has a long history as a teacher and renowned choral director. His influence spans generations and across the continent – with a career that has taken him from Hawaii to Maine, and everywhere in between. His loss will be felt just as expansively.  
 
You can find Bob’s full obituary (featuring a fabulous photo of Bob conducting choir) here. Please do take a minute to share memories about Bob on the linked site, as we know it will be meaningful to his family and to the many others who have known, loved, and learned from Bob.  
 
Although we have known of his health challenges, Bob’s death comes as a shock to us all. Adjusting to this new reality will take time. At the family’s request, we have waited until today to share this news with you in order to allow them some needed space with their grief and overwhelm. At this time, emails or cards are the most helpful way to express your care to Ann. Mail can be sent to: 
 
909 Centre Ave Unit 220
Fort Collins, CO 80526
 
Bob was beloved at Foothills and will be deeply missed. It’s hard to imagine Foothills without him, and especially hard to imagine the choir without him. Ann is committed to holding an in-person memorial with as many people who would like to be there as soon as such a large gathering is safe. We all hope that will be some time this spring or summer. As you can imagine, it will be important to have music, and choir, as a part of this service in honor of Bob’s legacy and his love of and passion for music. We will let you know as details about this service become clear.
 
With love and gratitude,
 
Revs. Gretchen, Sean, and Elaine