Reprint from Your Hub- Denver Post (4.9.20)
Balfour Senior Living is proud to announce the induction of resident Bob Patten into the Colorado Swimming Hall of Fame. Members of the Balfour family are encouraged to live healthy lives and pursue their passions. Bob is a wonderful example of what it means to stay young by continuing to do what he loves.
Bob has been an assisted living resident of Balfour at Littleton since November 2018. He was born in Colorado on August 5, 1934, in the heart of Denver. Leading up to high school, he was more interested in football and baseball. After attending East High School, he fell in love with swimming and focused on the sport full time, becoming No. 1 in breaststroke on his team. Since age 11, Bob worked for a local boating business, with his hard work culminating in sole ownership at age 19.
Bob began his college career at the Colorado School of Mines, then transferred to the University of Denver to receive a partial swim scholarship. He eventually left school to focus on the boating business.
In 1959, Bob married Zita, a fellow swimmer. Soon after, they had two sons who would become star swimmers themselves. Bob continued to pursue his swim career while managing multiple businesses and traveling with his boys to swim events.