Roll Call Tribute
Robert "Rob" Colburn '81 December 11, 2019 3:47 PM updated: April 10, 2020 2:14 PM
Robert J. Colburn ’81 was born on August 1, 1959 in Logan, Utah. He passed away on November 1, 2019 from a fall while backpacking in the Cascade Mountains near Seattle, Washington.
He was the son of the late James R. Colburn IV and Sharron Lynn Baer Colburn of Arlington, TX. Shortly after his father graduated from college in 1962, the young family moved to Grand Prairie, TX, where his father worked as an aeronautical engineer for LTV. Rob graduated from South Grand Prairie High School.
Rob attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1981 with honors and degrees in Architecture and Building Construction, and a minor in Landscape Architecture. After an extensive solo backpacking tour of Europe, he began his design career working for three years as an architect in South Africa. While in Africa, he took many trips throughout the continent’s southern region, including a long photography safari in Botswana.
Rob was a registered architect, and LEED AP BD + C certified. He became a partner with WKMC Architects and managed the Dallas office for more than 20 years, completing many projects in corporate, multifamily, and non-profit design. Throughout this time, Rob served his clients with integrity and his employees with fairness.
Most recently, Rob was Vice President of the Creative Studio with Streetlights Residential. For the past four years, he managed high-quality, multifamily development projects in San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Orlando, and Atlanta. Streetlights named their most recent development project, “The Colburn,” in Rob’s honor.
Many of Rob’s projects can be seen in the Dallas skyline and serve as evidence of his accomplishments.
He found meaning by pursuing projects that serve those with disabilities. For many years, Rob served on the board of Dallas Services, a non-profit organization, which provides services, a day school, and a vision clinic for underserved and special needs children and their families.
An experienced and avid backpacker, Rob completed many backcountry trips in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Washington. He found deep tranquility in the beauty of the mountains, often reaching places few will ever see.
Rob is survived by his wife of 25 years Brenda Brady Colburn and his three sons: Shea Colburn and wife Natalie Jones of Memphis, TN; Quinn Colburn and Suzy LeBel of Seattle, WA; and Cale Colburn of Logan, UT. His mother, Sharron Colburn of Arlington, TX. His sister, Rachelle Colburn and husband Robert Glenn of The Woodlands, TX. His nephew, Jake Glenn and wife Shelby of Temple, TX.
Rob measured his success by the depth of the relationships he had with his family, many friends and colleagues. The consummate architect, he built his life making the most of every moment.
Donations may be made to the The Robert J. Colburn ’81 Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Architecture.
He was the son of the late James R. Colburn IV and Sharron Lynn Baer Colburn of Arlington, TX. Shortly after his father graduated from college in 1962, the young family moved to Grand Prairie, TX, where his father worked as an aeronautical engineer for LTV. Rob graduated from South Grand Prairie High School.
Rob attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1981 with honors and degrees in Architecture and Building Construction, and a minor in Landscape Architecture. After an extensive solo backpacking tour of Europe, he began his design career working for three years as an architect in South Africa. While in Africa, he took many trips throughout the continent’s southern region, including a long photography safari in Botswana.
Rob was a registered architect, and LEED AP BD + C certified. He became a partner with WKMC Architects and managed the Dallas office for more than 20 years, completing many projects in corporate, multifamily, and non-profit design. Throughout this time, Rob served his clients with integrity and his employees with fairness.
Most recently, Rob was Vice President of the Creative Studio with Streetlights Residential. For the past four years, he managed high-quality, multifamily development projects in San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Orlando, and Atlanta. Streetlights named their most recent development project, “The Colburn,” in Rob’s honor.
Many of Rob’s projects can be seen in the Dallas skyline and serve as evidence of his accomplishments.
He found meaning by pursuing projects that serve those with disabilities. For many years, Rob served on the board of Dallas Services, a non-profit organization, which provides services, a day school, and a vision clinic for underserved and special needs children and their families.
An experienced and avid backpacker, Rob completed many backcountry trips in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Washington. He found deep tranquility in the beauty of the mountains, often reaching places few will ever see.
Rob is survived by his wife of 25 years Brenda Brady Colburn and his three sons: Shea Colburn and wife Natalie Jones of Memphis, TN; Quinn Colburn and Suzy LeBel of Seattle, WA; and Cale Colburn of Logan, UT. His mother, Sharron Colburn of Arlington, TX. His sister, Rachelle Colburn and husband Robert Glenn of The Woodlands, TX. His nephew, Jake Glenn and wife Shelby of Temple, TX.
Rob measured his success by the depth of the relationships he had with his family, many friends and colleagues. The consummate architect, he built his life making the most of every moment.
Donations may be made to the The Robert J. Colburn ’81 Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Architecture.
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