Honoring the life and legacy of J. Robert “Bob” Young

Bob made an incredible impact in all the communities where he lived and further where Alpine Bank operates. He’ll be sorely missed. Not only did he strive to create community where he lived, he created a culture of community-building at the bank. His impact was an amplified and will endure, thanks to his emphasis on inspiring his extensive team of bankers to support and engage in innumerable nonprofits where they… but live not just through their financial support, but providing many hours of strategic leadership and getting their hands dirty with helping in any way needed. I personally cherished getting to spend time with Bob and learn valuable lessons from his demeanor and perspective, as well as his subtle sense of humor. I greatly appreciate his tremendous support for Habitat for Humanity in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. Bob’s impact will live on for a very long time. Thank you Bob for your vision and generosity.

I worked at Alpine Bank in Compliance for 10 years from 2008-2018, until I relocated to Arkansas. Bob was a genuinely caring man who created and, even more importantly, maintained an atmosphere where employees and customers felt valued and were treated with the utmost respect. Now that I have banking experience with larger financial institutions I can testify that is not an accomplishment to take lightly. I am always referring back to my days at Alpine Bank with fond memories and as a shining example of how banking should be done. Bob will be missed and I pray his values and legacy will continue to live on through Alpine Bank.

I started working for Alpine Bank in Glenwood Springs in1986 as a part time teller. At that time there were seven Alpine Bank locations and Bobs office was located across from the teller line at the Glenwood location so we got to see him daily. I cannot remember a time that he didn’t take a minute to say good morning and make you feel important . Over the past forty years I have been proud to watch and participate in the growth and successes of Bobs vision . He was such an amazing man, always supporting employees as well as the communities we work and live in. I feel blessed to have known him and thankful for the opportunities for myself and my family. May the memories of Bob be a blessing for all who knew him and whose lives he touched in so many ways.

In July of 1978 I drove to Basalt in my Datsun (yes, Datsun) pickup to interview for a management trainee position at what was then the Bank of Basalt. I had graduated from college a year earlier and spent the next year working and saving for a subsequent world travel. Once I returned from my travel I had $40 to my name and a payment due of $70 on my pickup. My dad bought me a 100% polyester business suit for the interview. You might say I felt a bit stiff pulling into Basalt in a suit to begin with, not to mention that polyester is not comfortable in any form that I have ever found. My interview was with Bob and I look back on that day as the day I won the lottery. Bob made me feel so comfortable and valued during the interview, a characteristic that continued for the next 46 years. Needless to say it was quite motivating as I always endeavored to never let him down. Bob had qualities that many business leaders seem to overlook. He had an innate ability to make people feel important while empowering them by getting out of their way and softly setting the boundaries with few words and leading by his actions. Micro management was not in his vocabulary, but supporting his employees was fundamental in all aspects of his business style. It was such a privilege to work for him and know him.

My Alpine Bank journey began 33 years ago while I was still in college, when I worked as a teller at the Glenwood Springs location. From time to time, Bob would come down to the lobby to greet employees, and in every interaction I had with him, he treated me with the same respect he showed our location’s president; he made me feel seen and valued. A few years later, after graduating from college, I interviewed with Bob for a management trainee position. I was extremely nervous and unsure of what to expect, but once again, Bob focused less on standard interview questions and more on getting to know me as a person. He made me feel like I truly mattered. Bob’s vision and leadership have always inspired me, and his generosity is unmatched. Alpine Bank is part of who I am, and I am always proud to say where I work—and that pride is because of Bob.

I felt privileged that I was able to meet Bob several times during my time at Alpine Bank. He was always very personable and friendly. I was so happy during one Christmas party when I was relatively new that he had remembered my name. What a nice man. His vision for Alpine Bank makes it what it is today and his presence is felt in everything the bank does.

Thank you for creating such a great place to work! You will be missed!

I never imagined I would be meeting the CEO of the bank I was interviewing for - but that's exactly what happened! After my interview with Glen Jammaron and Tom Kenning back in 2016, Glen had asked if I had time to meet Bob Young. I of course said sure, but I was so incredibly nervous! I had not prepared to meet Bob, of all people, on my second interview with Alpine Bank. But as soon as I entered his office and we began to chat, there was such a calming presence about him. My nerves began to disappear and we just had a conversation. He wasn't interested in my background, he wanted to know more about ME, as a person. I didn't interact too much with him over the last ten years that I've been at Alpine Bank, but I remember talking with Bob at my interview like it was yesterday. I feel incredibly honored to still be working here ten years later and help continue the legacy he has built. Thanks for everything, Bob!

We will miss you a lot Bob, Thank you for gave us part of you life. With love m, Lucy, Jesse, Genny Sanchez, Nancy, Jane’s, Felipe, Andres, Juan Camilo, Ronald, Michael, Tabitha and Our children! With love and gratitude, ever!

Oh Boy, Bob, where do I start? Clear back in the 70’s, when your first thought of starting Alpine Bank, you came, met Joe & I and said, “What would you think of my starting a new bank in Glenwood?” Oh boy, our first thought & comment was…”Bob, First National has been here for quite some time with much success?” I do agree, however, I do want to push the boundaries with a very competent, caring & supportive financial institution! Well, we agreed that we would split our support & definitely be helping to get this bank started. He was very grateful & proceeded to accept our support, & try very hard to help our entire Family anytime he could. Our family has continued, over the 50+ years, to support, bank with & remain a part of Alpine Banks. I, Joyce, had another endeavor with Bob. His Philanthropic support brought us together many times during my years with Colorado Mountain College. Bob & Jim Calaway, as is known, had a lot to do with several major benefits to Glenwood Springs, & many other places & organizations. Bob always attended any dinner, opening of new campuses, which was part of my title, or C.A.R. E.! WOW…What sparing would take place with Jim at the mic, needling Bob regarding his donation! They had so much fun with that. It also created many wonderful donations from those in attendance. Alex & I, I’m sure, could go on & on with our dealings, experiences & joyous times with Bob included. Bob, you will definitely be missed in my life & several others you were a major part of & influenced many successful businesses throughout Colorado. May your peace be in abundance & your so very generous ways & love of a “Life well lived” be granted to you. Lovingly, Joyce Gornick