Robert Lindsay Murray Bowie went to be with the Lord on June 8, 2021 at the age of 80.
Bob was born in San Francisco, California on May 7, 1941. As a boy, he sang in the San Francisco boys choir. He graduated from Cupertino High School in 1959. Following High School, he attended San Jose State University. He then made the decision to serve his country in the United States Military. Bob was active duty in the Navy 4 years from ’61 to ’65. While on active duty, he achieved rank of Aviation Electronics Technician (Navigation) petty officer third class. As a radioman, Bob documented via Morse code weather data while they flew in and out of hurricanes to obtain weather-related data pre-satellites. After his active duty, he served in the Navy Reserve for 2 years from ’65 to ’67. Bob was incredibly intelligent and went on to complete his college degree some 20 years later purely for the bragging rights. He worked two fulfilling careers; first his corporate journey in Manufacturing having worked his way up to VP level. This career track afforded him to lead people, as well as travel opportunities with his family from California to Philadelphia to Hong Kong. He then pivoted to business owner with Private grade schools, preschools, and a summer day camp in the Chicagoland area. Bob was passionate about children, education, and business, so this career blended all his passions into one.
Family, music, children, and animals were at the heart of Bob’s life. He was the life of the party, sensitive, driven, passionate, and musically gifted. He loved to play his guitar and sing with the family. Bob was a Master of late night sandwiches; grilled cheese and egg were his specialty. He embraced those he met with love and kindness. Bob was a visionary and had a smile that would light up a room. He kept that light even through the challenges of his15 year battle with dementia. Dementia never stole his light, love, or calm demeanor. He spent his final days dancing in bed, and even sang a bar of “Para bailer La Bamba,” his first passion of Rock & Roll.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Gigi Bowie of 40 years, children Matthew Bowie and wife Rita, Shannon Persha and husband Adam, Gavin Bowie and wife Misty, Derek Bowie and wife Carol, Rod Bowie and wife Kelli, and Elliott Wentworth; and 12 grandchildren Wynter, Cason, Kaydan, Zander, Asher, Jacob, Brett, Owen, Zachary, Courtney, Whitney Bowie and Elliott Wentworth, Jr.
A memorial service will be held 11:30 am on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Sarasota Veterans National Cemetery at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the American Heart Association. Condolences for the family may be sent to Gigi Bowie c/o Rod Bowie at 6212 Braniger Way, Oklahoma City, OK 73132 or online at veteransfuneralcare.com
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Gigi Bowie
__________________________________________________________________
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
James 5:13
Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
Rita Bowie
__________________________________________________________________
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Matthew Bowie
__________________________________________________________________
Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Rod Bowie
__________________________________________________________________Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
Susan Bandy
__________________________________________________________________
I saw a sweet man, gentle soul with a smile:) Beth Peterson
Bob was one of the gentlest souls I’ve ever met and he always had a smile on his face. I know he’s looking down and wants everyone to be happy. Ryan
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
John 14:27 “I leave the gift of peace with you-my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts-instead, be courageous!”
Corinthians 1:3-4 “All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us”
Psalms 46:1 “God you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble-more than enough and always available whenever I need you.”
Romans 15:33 “May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”
Thessalonians 3:16 “Now, may the Lord himself, the Lord of peace, pour into you his peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The Lord’s tangible presence be with you all.”
Jude 1:2 “May God’s mercy, peace, and love cascade over you!”
Misty Bowie
Adjectives that describe Bob: Joyful, Empathy, Kindness, Inspiring, Love, Gentle, Generous,
Love me tender,
Love me true,
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
And I always will
Love me tender
Love me long
Take me to your heart
For it’s there that I belong,
And we’ll never part
Love me tender,
Love me true
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
And I always will
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Chosen by Gigi Bowie
__________________________________________________________________
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
James 5:13
Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
Chosen by Rita Bowie
__________________________________________________________________
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Chosen by Matthew Bowie
Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Chosen by Rod Bowie
__________________________________________________________________
In Memory of My Dad – Author Unknown Published February 2008
If I could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told of a kind and loving father who had a heart of gold.
I could write a million pages but still be unable to say just how much I love and miss him every single day.
I will remember all he taught me. I’m hurt but won’t be sad, because he’ll send me down the answers, and he’ll always be my dad. Chosen by Shannon Persha
In Our Hearts by Rose M Deleon
We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that, too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we will never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart.
Chosen by Adam Persha
Bob was a great man who I remember as always having a smile on his face, warm and gracious, and fun to be around. One of my favorite memories of Bob was him singing “Rockin’ Robin” all those years ago at a large gathering of friends. May your fondest memories always bring you some peace. Dean Layton
__________________________________________________________________
Gigi,
I am SO sorry to hear of Bob’s illness and passing!
Maj messaged me today after she saw my comments on fb re:your profile pics etc…
I have been, today, and shall continue praying for all of you guys! Bob was a great boss … wonderful guy!!
Lord BLESS you!!! Love you!
❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕
Beautiful obituary for an extraordinary man. Bob always had a smile and happy manorissm. So honored to have been like a family member to him. A man we loved dearly and he will be missed so much.
Bonny and Rod Peck
I was introduced to Bob when I started working for Jolly Fun House Playschool in 1999. He was the co-owner along with his wife Gigi. Bob made me feel so welcome and was always there to support any of my needs and wants! I will always remember how he had a big smile on his face when he came into our school. The children always gravitated to Mr. Bob as they loved him so much. One of my favorite memories is when he would come in with his guitar and sing with the kids! They could never get enough. Bob would also sit and talk with the children as they always had so much to tell him!
Bob was one of the nicest and most generous person and he always made me feel like family..He definitely left his mark in this world. He will be missed by so many.
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Progress Rail