Robert "Bob" Leland Nagel
Obituaries
The Daily Sentinel page 6A - May 31, 2023
“Bob” was born in
Grand Junction to Robert
and Virginia Nagel, at-
tended primary schools in
Grand Junction, and was a
graduate of Western State
College and earned an
MLA degree in Landscape
Architecture from Utah
State University.
After grad school Bob
pursued a career in the
emerging technology field of Geographic Information
Systems. He worked with an innovative team at the State
of Utah to demonstrate what technology could offer to pol-
icy makers. He joined the private sector a few years later,
working for an industry-leading GIS software company in
their Minneapolis, MN office. His move to the upper mid-
west allowed Bob to seek new adventures including canoe-
ing and hiking with his colleagues. Bob returned to public
sector service when he moved back to Utah and resumed
his contributions in State government. His participation
in an Intergovernmental team that documented and ana-
lyzed the unique landscape of south-central Utah led to the
eventual establishment of the Escalante-Grand Staircase
National Monument. Following this consequential collab-
orative effort, Bob committed to teaching other upcoming
professionals the finer points of applying geographic anal-
ysis through technology to solve real-world challenges. In
retirement, Bob pursued what he loved - enjoying unique
experiences outdoors, a good read and fine cigars.
He is survived by sister Nancy Potter (Monte), brother
William Nagel (Sherry), and brother James Nagel (Dini)
and nephews Douglas Potter, Daniel Nagel, and nieces Julie
Potter, Katherine Potter, Claire Nagel and Eliza Nagel.
Bob’s dry humor, caring demeanor, and love of expe-
riencing the outdoors with his friends and family will be
missed by all who knew him. On eagles’ wings, good man.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
