Robert Dean Ellis Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert D. Ellis Jr. On the morning of Tuesday, May 7, 2019, Robert D. Ellis, Jr. passed away at the age of 60. Bobby passed from this life suddenly in Kingman Arizona due to complications from renal failure and respiratory disease. At his request, no service will be held and his remains will be spread south of the Glen Canyon Dam at a later date. He was born to Robert D. and Barbara H. Ellis in Chula Vista, CA in 1958, his high school and favorite school days were spent in Seminole County, Georgia where he graduated in 1977. He was well like and known as a talented artist and a full-time member of the high school band, by far the best band any where around at the time. Robert had a longtime love for the American Southwest Dessert regions, most especially the Grand Canyon. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) knew him well and he was one of the very few people regularly permitted to hike the Canyon solo and his breathtaking photography of the landscape was well known on the internet. He hiked every public trail in all of the Grand Canyon and just as many non-public trails that can only happen with special permission of the BLM. During his solo hikes he established many more trails and even discovered and left undisturbed, many abandoned Native American encampments, villages and the like. Bob was also a fan of motorcycling, beginning in school as a child lasting right up to the time of his death. Bob was a proud member of the Iron Butt Association completing the Saddle Sore 1000 Finisher (2002 & 2004) and Bun Burner 1500 Silver Finishers (2004). He had many friends in the Henderson and Las Vegas area who he regularly rode with until he retired. His last ride, though solo, was just days before he died. Bobby was a jack-of-all-trades from a wine steward to driving all kinds of machinery including big rigs. He studied Industrial Mechanics at Moultrie Technical College and was hired by Poly-America in Grand Prairie, Texas 2003-2004, then relocated to Henderson, Nevada 2004-2017. Bob was one of a handful that broke ground for the opening of the Poly-West plant in Henderson. Bobby was unfortunately forced into early retirement due to his declining health. Robert is survived by his brothers Michael and niece Micaela Sage Ellis; David and wife Ann. He is also survived by his long-time step-mother Jean (Woods) Ellis and step-brothers Gary and wife Nancy; Alan and wife Heather; sister-in-law Brenda. He is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, step-nieces and step-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-brother Thomas Woods. Of course Robert will be missed by all who knew him as he was always well-liked. Condolences can be made to the family by email robert.ellis@dinkdaze.org or on the Mohave Memorial Funeral & Cremation - Tribute Wall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Glen Canyon Conservancy (www.canyonconservancy.org/donate).

Robert Dean Ellis Jr.

May 7, 2019

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