Obituary: Bob DeVan

July 22, 1946 – April 18, 2024

Robert T. Todd DeVan, 77, founder and operator of Propane Services Inc., passed away peacefully at his home in Basalt, CO on April 18, 2024, with his wife, Peg, his daughter, Carolyn, and 4 beloved dogs by his side. Bob is survived by his wife, Peg Twohy DeVan; his daughter, Carolyn DeVan Payne and her husband, Robert Payne III of Basalt; his son, Todd DeVan, living in Sweden; his grandson, Noah DeVan of Minnesota; and his large extended Twohy family in Virginia.

Bob was born in Bethesda, Maryland on July 22, 1946, and grew up in Weston, CT with his mother Carolyn Bowne DeVan and father William Todd DeVan. At the age of 18, Bob enlisted in the air force and was stationed in Germany for 4 years during the final years of the Vietnam War. After leaving the air force, Bob relocated to Long Beach, CA, where his son, Todd DeVan, was born.

While living in California, Bob took a ski vacation to the small town of Aspen, Colorado and like most residents will tell you; once you experience Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, you never want to leave. In 1975, Bob moved full time to Aspen to continue his venture through life. During his time in Aspen, Bob worked various jobs including mining in Ashcroft, working in the ski patrol at Buttermilk Mountain, and in 1983 opening The Three Bears Restaurant in downtown Basalt. In 1983, he purchased his beloved home located on the Basalt Mountain above the town.

Bob met his wife, Peg, in 1984, while they were both working on Buttermilk Mountain. After 2 years, Peg returned to her hometown in Virginia, and Bob followed her. They married in 1987 and built a house on the family farm in Virginia Beach where Bob became part of a large extended family. In Virginia Beach, Bob, always the entrepreneur, started a water purifying business in addition to selling boats for a local company. Bob was known to never waste a day and fully immersed himself in the area enjoying the farm, the beach and ocean, and his new family and friends.

However, Colorado was always Bob’s first love. After 7 years living east, Bob and Peg moved back to their home on Basalt Mountain where in 1996 they welcomed their daughter, Carolyn Curtis DeVan. Continuing his zest for small businesses, Bob started Propane Services, Inc. Bob was enormously proud of the success of the company where Peg worked in partnership with him. His children Todd and Carolyn, also joined him later on in the business. Propane Services, Inc. is still owned and operated by the DeVan family. Bob would also be celebrating his 44 year anniversary as an Aspen Elks lodge member.

Bob will be remembered by his friends and family for his charismatic character, big smile, generosity, and his love for life. He had a way about him that always found the positive aspect in life no matter what challenges came his way.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Borchers and his wonderful staff for the care that they gave Bob.

A celebration of life will be held on July 27th at 3:00 pm at the Three Peaks Bar and Grille at the Snowmass Club.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Shining Stars Foundation in Bob’s name.