Robert Harold Flanders died peacefully at his home in Alpine on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the age of 81. The son of Mary and Hal Flanders, Robert was born in Denver, Colorado, but lived in many places as a child due to his father’s career. Robert was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and did his alternative service in Honduras. During this time, he married Rice Flanders. The couple later settled in New England and had two children.

A graduate of Antioch College, Robert worked over the years as a jeweler, teacher, baker, counselor, and fisherman. He became a Unitarian Universalist minister in 1982. Robert had a deep love and respect for the natural world. He spent years as a sea kayaker, hiker, cyclist, and rollerblader, and even climbed cliffs and frozen waterfalls with his son Gabe.

Robert lived everywhere from Maine to Alaska, but settled in Alpine in the mid-2000s to care for Mary. He became a Texas Master Naturalist and spent many happy hours at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute. A “rock hound,” Robert loved searching West Texas arroyos for finds. He became a fixture at the Alpine farmer’s market, selling kimchi and crafts. In his later years, Robert found wonder and solace in his yard, cultivating a cactus collection with loving care.

Robert was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Bethanne Flanders of Eastover, South Carolina. He is survived by his daughter Alexa and family of Greenfi eld, Massachusetts, son Gabriel and family of Warren, Maine, ex-wife and dear friend Rice, and many cousins. Robert took great delight in his grandchildren, Luke, Eva, Malcolm, and Margot.

An informal memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 1308 N. 5th St. in Alpine on Saturday, May 16, at 4 p.m.