“His solid authenticity, whether astride a horse, sitting in a board room, mentoring a child or sharing a moment with a friend, was his personal and professional brand.”Norris is survived by his four children, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He never sold his saddle. Robert Norris, known as the original 'Marlboro Man' used in ads for the cigarette brand, has died at age 90. Original ‘Marlboro Man’ Robert Norris dies at his Colorado ranch at age 90 having NEVER smoked Robert Norris, 90, died on Sunday at his ranch in Colorado Springs, Colorado He was approached by advertising executives who were scouting for a cowboy to appear in their Marlboro Man commercials Norris was the Marlboro Man for 12 years and appeared in TV Robert “Bob” Norris, philanthropist, rancher and the original “Marlboro Man” died at age 90 on Nov. 3 in Colorado Springs. Rugged rancher Robert Norris, who rose to fame as the original “Marlboro Man” cowboy despite never smoking a cigarette himself, has died at the age of 90. He made his last range ride in 2017, but always remained actively engaged in ranch operations, and avidly interested in the future through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” the obituary goes on. “If any man could be described in three words, for Bob they would be ‘the real deal,'” his obituary read. “You do the right thing even if it costs you.
“‘It’s been a good run,’ he once said.
He knew he’d need it when it was time to ride into the sunset.”That same year, Norris, who primarily came from a family of financiers and lawyers, went into the horse and cattle business after learning the ranching business from an uncle.He eventually abandoned the Marlboro campaign when he had kids, claiming that his role in the commercials was “setting a poor example for his children,” his obituary states.The cowboy found it especially rewarding to combine his love for ranching with philanthropy, and organized special animal rides for disabled children — an experience his obituary says provided the kids with a “transformative experience in the great outdoors.”A celebration of life was held in his honor on Friday in Colorado Springs.Robert “Bob” Norris, the “ruggedly handsome” cowboy who rose to fame as the “Marlboro Man”, has died. Robert 'Bob' Norris, an Original 'Marlboro Man' Who Never Smoked a Day in His Life, Dies at 90 Norris died on Nov. 3 in the care of Pikes Peak Hospice and surrounded by his family The original Marlboro Man died this week at his Colorado Springs ranch at the ripe old age of 90 — likely because he never actually smoked cigarettes. You do the right thing.”Advertisement - story continues below“He shared this love for animals in many ways, including special rides he arranged for disabled children, who for the first time were able to enjoy a transformative experience in the great outdoors,” his obituary read. Born in 1929, Norris grew up in Illinois, attending Elgin Academy in St. Charles, before heading south to attend the University of Kentucky and play for their football team. In June 1950, Norris married Jane Wright.Norris died on Nov. 3 in the care of Pikes Peak Hospice and surrounded by his familyIn the ads, Norris was always featured in a fictional world of ranching, wearing cowboy attire — including his iconic cowboy hat — as he held a cigarette in either his mouth or his hand.The Colorado native is best known for being one of the first to portray the “Marlboro Man” in the cigarette company’s commercials.They eventually moved to Black Forest, settling down in the Broadmoor area, and also established roots in Paradise Valley, Arizona for a winter home.His family said it was “his tall, ruggedly handsome, lanky good looks that landed him the unexpected role,” but despite having a cigarette in his mouth or hand for around 14 years, Norris never smoked a day in his life.By 1953, Norris and Wright had moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado and purchased the Rist Canyon ranch. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The rancher and philanthropist best known for playing the original "Marlboro Man" has died after a life spent not smoking. Norris was influential in teaching his family to live a life based on integrity and honesty.“No doubt it was these qualities — along with his tall, ruggedly handsome, lanky good looks—that landed him the unexpected role of the first Marlboro Man on television.”Norris went into the horse and cattle business in 1950, when he purchased the T-Cross brand, which he later married with the purchase of a 20,000-acre ranch south of Colorado Springs, the T-Cross Ranch.The ranch and business expanded over the years, with a second ranch added in Arizona. Robert "Bob" Norris died in … He was 90.
They remained there until 1957 when the couple decided to start having children.“Bob was a man of unassuming manner that belied his vast accomplishments,” the obituary states. He later bought a second ranch in Arizona.“Did Bob ever retire?