Obituary of Robert Donovan Jett

Robert Jett III., 64, of Fort Lupton, Colorado, passed away unexpectantly on December 17, 2021 at his home in Fort Lupton from complications of COVID. Robert was born in Bethesda, Maryland to Robert Jett II & Ollie (Rice) Barrett on July 21, 1957. Robert Jett, or "R.D.” as his family and friends called him, wasn’t born a cowboy. He started out life as a Marine Corps Brat, and through his early childhood and teen years, lived in Florida where he honed his love of the outdoors bass fishing, water skiing on the lagoons, crabbing, (perpetually working on a great sun tan) and catching lobsters in the Florida Keys. Later he returned to his parents’ home town of Colonial Beach Virginia where he learned to love the life and bounty of the Potomac River and the surrounding Northern Neck (resulting in a life-long love of oysters and scrapple!) It was his occupation as an Ironworker (Local 27 which he boasted proudly!) that brought him to Colorado, travelling to Wyoming, Utah, and throughout the Midwest on various jobsites. And this is where R.D. found his true home and heart. He loved the beautiful landscape, mountains, wildlife, and the Midwestern people and lifestyle (hence, he became a cowboy). But of all these things, most precious to R.D. were his many friends, whom he considered to be his extended family. And he was also a good friend to have as well, and would do anything to help a friend in need. He was a wonderful brother, son, family member, co-worker and friend and will be sadly missed by all. Robert is survived by his sisters, Michele Jett Garrard, and Betty Jean Bennett, and a large loving extended circle of family and friends. Especially notable is previous Step Mother and Step Brother Patricia Rose and Michael Jett; friends Mark Brown and Karen Richardson, and his special extended family Doris C. Arthur and, Chuck Thomas. R.D. loved his dog, Blue Boy and previous dog Sasha (deceased.) R.D. was preceded in death by his parents; Robert D. Jett II, and Ollie (Rice) Barrett. A Celebration of Life will be held with family and friends at a later date. House by the Side of the Road by Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911) There are hermit souls that live withdrawn In the place of their self-content; There are souls like stars, that dwell apart, In a fellowless firmament; There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths Where highways never ran- But let me live by the side of the road And be a friend to man. Let me live in a house by the side of the road Where the race of men go by- The men who are good and the men who are bad, As good and as bad as I. I would not sit in the scorner's seat Nor hurl the cynic's ban- Let me live in a house by the side of the road And be a friend to man. I see from my house by the side of the road By the side of the highway of life, The men who press with the ardor of hope, The men who are faint with the strife, But I turn not away from their smiles and tears, Both parts of an infinite plan- Let me live in a house by the side of the road And be a friend to man. I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead, And mountains of wearisome height; That the road passes on through the long afternoon And stretches away to the night. And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice And weep with the strangers that moan, Nor live in my house by the side of the road Like a man who dwells alone. Let me live in my house by the side of the road, Where the race of men go by- They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong, Wise, foolish - so am I. Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat, Or hurl the cynic's ban? Let me live in my house by the side of the road And be a friend to man. by Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911)