Robert Fred Gish

Robert Fred Gish, born May 24, 1941, in Greeley, Colorado at the age of 84 passed away peacefully at home on March 28th, 2026. The Gish family moved to Cheyenne in 1948 from Mead, Colorado just days before the Blizzard of 1949. Robert Fred always considered Cheyenne his hometown as he worked all over the United States in construction management. He had recently returned to Cheyenne while writing a book, finding peace and joy being around familiar sights and riding his bike all over town.

Fred was the oldest of three siblings. He is survived by his children Karen Holtmeier, Robert Gish Jr., Jeffrey Gish, Laurie Soliday and Dr. Krystle Gish Wixson. Fred is survived by his two brothers Ronald Gish and Richard Gish. His wife Mary (Renneisen) Gish, father Wilbur Gish, mother Dorothy Gish and sister Karen Gish, all preceded him in death. He was a beloved grandfather to granddaughters Amanda Eichhorn, Dr. Abigail (Holtmeier) Platt, and Rylee Wixson, grandsons Andrew Holtmeier, Alex Holtmeier, Drew Soliday, Lance Gish, Nathan Gish, and Arlo Wixson, and five great grandchildren. Fred had touched so many lives and was loved by extensive family members, innumerable friends, teammates, and even strangers he just met.

He graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1959, where he met his lifelong partner, Mary Renneisen (Gish). How Fred managed to get asked out by someone as gorgeous and smart as Mary is a mystery to us all, but Fred did have his height and athleticism plus a movie star smile and the personality to go with it. Fred was recruited for both basketball and football but ultimately chose to play basketball in college.

Fred attended the University of Wyoming, where he studied Civil Engineering and played basketball from 1959-1963. Mary attended every basketball game and tallied his points from the stands. He is still in the record books at the University of Wyoming for most rebounds in one game. Not only was he studying and getting rebounds during this time, he also became a father during his college years. Mary supported him in his dreams and raised the kids. Both Mary and Fred did their best to support their children while also figuring out adulthood without a support system.

After college, Fred and Mary moved around the country, started a company together in Cheyenne, Concrete West Corporation, and later watched their children start families, adding incredible joy with the birth of each grandchild and great grandchild.

After retirement, Fred continued to stay busy, winning Gold Medals at the Senior Olympics and writing a book about Cheyenne titled “Cheyenne 1940-1955” with incredible stories and history. When Mary was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, he cared for her with true dedication and love until her last day. After her passing, Fred moved around and took up some new hobbies including shark tooth hunting in Florida. He met new friends on the beach and proudly shared his shark teeth with friends and family. He rode his bike down every trail, accumulating many miles. Fred was eager to see his forever love, Mary again and now that they have reunited, we know he is at peace.

The family will hold a private memorial service on a summer day in Ft. Collins, Colorado. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family is asking for donations to your favorite charity or church.