Robert Arthur Field

Robert Arthur “Bob” Field (age 68) of Vernon, Arizona, passed away at home on January 25, 2023. He was surrounded by his loved ones who cared for him with the help of Compassus Hospice - Pinetop location. Bob is resting peacefully, following a battle with liver failure. 

Bob was born and raised in South Phoenix in the home lovingly built by his father, Jack Field. He spent his childhood and early adolescence in that home. After graduating from high school, he went on to attend both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. He obtained a Certificate in Drafting from DeVry University. Bob had a successful career following college—working at Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) in Mesa, Arizona. He worked as a helicopter inspector on Apache Longbow helicopters for 10 years. 

Bob married the love of his life, Patti Glass, in the summer of 1980. She joked she had to “make” Bob fall in love with her. Yet the real story is that Bob fell in love with her when she took care of his niece in the middle of a snowstorm. On the return trip home, he drew an eye, a heart, and a pair of eyeglasses in the snow. Patti couldn’t figure out what it meant, so he explained that it meant he loved her. Bob’s sewing skills came into great use when he handmade the flower girl dresses for their wedding. 

They welcomed sons Richard in 1981 and Ryan in 1983, and completed their family of five with the birth of their daughter Becky in 1984. A dedicated family man, friend, and community member, Bob had a deeply compassionate heart and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need.

In his younger years, Bob could be found working tirelessly on cars and motorcycles, and as an adult he was no less active. He could often be found helping his kids work on their own vehicles showing them how to do oil changes, replace brakes, hoses & belts, and a myriad of other things. He also enjoyed remodeling the various homes they lived in. He taught his children how to drywall, paint, install ceiling fans, roofing, etc. 

While serving on his local neighborhood watch in Mesa, the local police patrolling the neighborhood lovingly referred to him as “Cowboy Bob”. That nickname stuck with him throughout the years for those who were close to him. Even in his final days here on earth, a smile would form on his face when he was called “Cowboy Bob”. He put his heart and soul into not only protecting his family, but all of his neighbors too. 

As a “desert rat” (a.k.a Arizona native), he enjoyed spending time outdoors. He could be found fishing, gold panning, and at shooting ranges around Arizona. Bob spent his final years in the White Mountains, where he spent a lot of time outdoors, taking his dog on walks along local lakes, and felling trees to stock up his firewood supply for winter. His “honey do-list” also kept him busy. He built a brand new deck, with the help of his son Ryan at their former home in Lakeside. In their current home he planted apple trees and berry bushes as a birthday present for Patti. 

A few weeks before passing, he helped drywall, mud, and paint the new bedroom wall. He made sourdough starters and shared his beloved sourdough recipe with his wife and children. To his families surprise, he chose to shovel snow off the deck even though he wasn’t supposed to be walking around. He had a will to live that stayed with him to the very end.

Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patricia “Patti” Field; his children, Richard (Kay), Ryan (Jennifer), and Rebecca “Becky”; his grandchildren, Katia, Trey, Robert, Carter, Brooke, Levi, and Landon; his nephews, Rob (Shelly), Joel (Nina), Brandon (April), and Jake (Lily); his nieces, Angel, Lisa (James), Tina (JW), Heather (Joey), Erica (Byron), and Jessica (Robert); his sister-in-law, Debbie Moles (Laryel); his brother-in-law, Jack Glass; his numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; his beloved family pets, Scout, and Leah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marrion Field; his in-laws, Jack and Leona Glass; his sister, Jacquelyn Klepper; his twin brother, David Thomas Field, who passed away at birth.

A private celebration of Bob’s life will be held with close family and friends this spring in Phoenix, Arizona. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate to one of the following causes in Bob’s memory: 

A memorial bench and tree for the Field family home, with donations accepted via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle to [email protected] or username SWEETSTER84

Donations directly to the American Liver Foundation or to the Compassus Living Foundation via online donation to their hospice location in Pinetop, Arizona.

In Bob’s honor, his family encourages everyone to get their annual wellness checkups in order to stay safe and healthy.