Robert Orchid"

MADISON- Robert Dennis Coleman (Black Orchid) left this earthly realm on November 12, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. He left on the wild wind extending his wings wide and found freedom. Bob was born on Feburary 25, 1949 in Kauakuna, WI, the middle of seven children of Harold and Margaret Coleman. He graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1967, and attended the UW Madison, majoring in English literature. He married Carla Smith of Madison, WI on May 19, 1979. In July of 1980, he and Carla became the parents of triplet children, Ryland, Laura, and Anna, who were the joy of Bob's life.

Bob worked at Peckman Studio in Kaukauna during high school where he began his lifelong love of 35 mm photography and photo printing. From 1977 to 1995 Bob was owner and partner in Red Bud Design and Construction on Williamson Street in Madison, WI specializing in design, fabrication and installation of custom interiors. From 1995 to 2008 Bob worked as a Project Manager for J.P. Cullen and Sons in Janesville WI. His projects included schools in Fort Atkinson, Lake Geneva, and Evansville; restoration of the Coronado Theatre in Rockford, IL; the Janesville Performing Arts Center; The Armory in Janesville, and Group Health Cooperative in Madison. He joined Huffman Facility and Development in Madison where he was the Owner Representative for the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on the UW campus. In 2010 Bob retired from his employment when he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease and he enjoyed the last years of his life at home with his family. In 2015 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor which ultimately led to his death.

Bob taught us that life's treasures existed in its simple pleasures. He loved music (The Gladiators, Burning Spear, John Hiatt, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan) and literature (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Ken Kesey, Jack Kerouac, Dylan Thomas). His appreciation for the outdoors was shown through a passion for long walks with Carla and their dogs, bird watching at the kitchen window, and camping and canoeing with his children. Harvesting wild rice in northern Wisconsin was an annual ritual for Bob and Carla. Bob looked down for rocks and up for stars. He was a man of gentleness, honesty, patience, wisdom, and love. And he had the warmest hands in the world.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Sue Huser. He is survived by Carla his wife, his children Ryland (Carisa), Laura Schaefer (Erik), Anna Breen (James), all of Madison; three grandsons Lux and Smith Breen, and Vaughn Coleman; siblings Margaret Ann Coleman (Kaukauna), Kathy Sendek (Trenary, MI), Kevin (Madison), Keith (Phoenix, AZ) and Pat (Spokane, WA); and three dogs, Barley, Liam and Kody.

When asked what his favorite things in life were, Bob said raising his children and his trips to Isla Mujeres, Mexico over the last 20 years. In his honor, the family is planning a life celebration on Isla Mujeres in spring of 2016. We invite you to please send us a written memory, poem, song lyrics, or any expression of love to be read by the family at his celebration. We ask that any memorial donations be made to Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, WI, Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, or the Wisconsin Wetlands Association.

The family thanks the caring people of Agrace HospiceCare and Right at Home, and our family and friends for support and care during his illness. We love you all.

Private services for Bob will be held.

"A man has the right to be as big as he feels it in him to be." Ken Kesey.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406