Nancy & Bob Odén

Dr. Bob Odén was one of the kindest, most beloved physicians in Aspen—a description he shares gladly with his close friend, Harold Whitcomb. The stories of his generosity and caring would fill many books as he has extended the principles of the Hippocratic oath to every facet of his life.

While Bob was serving as chief flight surgeon in the Air Force during the Korean War, he was appalled to discover that his wounded colleagues were not getting proper care and seemed to have been forgotten. He lobbied acquaintance General Curtis LeMay (who was unaware of the veterans’ plight) to assure that proper benefits were allocated by the government. As a result, the G.I. Bill was successfully carried through the U.S. Congress, and many veterans were deservedly rewarded.

Dr. Bob served for many years as a U.S. Ski Team doctor and has also been inducted into the national, Colorado. He holds other honors—too many to list. However, his personal sense of accomplishment comes not with recognition but with the pleasure of watching his handiwork give success to people’s lives.

Nancy Odén was a long-time Aspen Music Festival volunteer, volunteer coordinator and manager of the Festival lemonade stand.

Odén moved to Aspen in 1964 and married Dr. Robert Odén, founder of Aspen Orthopedic Associates. She is a lifetime trustee of the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Aspen Historical Society and Aspen Times
Photo, Bob: Aspen Valley Medical Foundation Nancy: Aspen Historical Society