Welcome to the memorial page for
Robert Paul Bower
January 26, 1947 ~ November 28, 2017 (age 70) 70 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from Cyndi Stiles
August 15, 2018 11:02 AM
I just learned of Bob's passing. I am devastated. This man impacted my life tremendously through his gift of communication and insightful teaching. Bob believed in his students' abilities and was able to draw from them their best. My condolences to his beautiful family. May you encounter God's overwhelming love during this time of transition. Thank you for sharing Bob with us.
Message from Jeff Moorhead
February 17, 2018 11:46 PM
I just ran across Bob's obituary, and was so sorry to hear of his passing. He was my professor, for a year of literature classes, at SWOCC, in the mid '80's. High school was a rough time for me, so having a positive experience in college was very important to me. Looking back after all these years and a graduate degree later, I still recall Bob as likely the best instructor I ever had.
Bob’s knowledge of, and passion for, the written word were infectious, and I thoroughly caught the bug from him. He taught me to look for deeper meanings in the stories I read, and is surely responsible for my lasting appreciation of poetry.
I once argued good-naturedly with him over which of Shakespear's sonnets was best. I thought sonnet 17 ("Who will believe my verse in time to come,") was better than his favorite, sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"). Bob was fun to argue with. He ultimately made me do an extra paper for class, in which I had to make my case. He gave me an ‘A’ on the paper, but it was just for the effort. He was never convinced.
Bob, thanks for sharing your love of literature with me. Thanks for helping me see, at a critical time in my life, that school could be so very rewarding. You made a real, positive difference in my life.
My recollection is that you were a big fan of William Blake. I've been re-reading some recently in your memory. Rest well, Bob.
Bob’s knowledge of, and passion for, the written word were infectious, and I thoroughly caught the bug from him. He taught me to look for deeper meanings in the stories I read, and is surely responsible for my lasting appreciation of poetry.
I once argued good-naturedly with him over which of Shakespear's sonnets was best. I thought sonnet 17 ("Who will believe my verse in time to come,") was better than his favorite, sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"). Bob was fun to argue with. He ultimately made me do an extra paper for class, in which I had to make my case. He gave me an ‘A’ on the paper, but it was just for the effort. He was never convinced.
Bob, thanks for sharing your love of literature with me. Thanks for helping me see, at a critical time in my life, that school could be so very rewarding. You made a real, positive difference in my life.
My recollection is that you were a big fan of William Blake. I've been re-reading some recently in your memory. Rest well, Bob.
Message from Deb Kearns
February 12, 2018 7:48 PM
I met Bob when I was a 17 year old student at SWOCC in 1977. For two years, he was my literature teacher, until I graduated from SWOCC in 1979. His goodness, kindness, love of poetry and life were epic. His joy in literature was infectious. His generosity of spirit and intellect made him a uniquely gifted educator and human being. I shall never forget his kindness when my uncle was killed in a plane crash in 1978. His encouragement, helped motivate me to stay in college and graduate. I am very grateful to have known Bob. I'll always remember how good and kind he was to me. His lessons have stayed with me these past 41 years. Please accept my condolences. Deb in Connecticut.
Message from Lori Lund-Baldovinos
January 19, 2018 7:16 PM
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Bob's family. Bob was my English teacher at SWOCC before moving into administration. He was also a mentor to many students as well. An amazingly intelligent and gifted man with a super personality and great sense of humor, and an awesome conversationalist too. You will be truly missed by all the lives that you have touched! May the memories bring peace to your family.
A candle was lit by Lori Lund-Baldovinos
on January 19, 2018 7:00 PM
Message from David Gathman
December 25, 2017 5:20 PM
My wife, Beati, and I both graduated from Lycoming College with Bob. We spent quite a few hours in the Student Union playing pinochle, hearts & bridge with Bob. We both are both saddened by his passing
Message from Sandy Alsworth
December 11, 2017 8:48 PM
I type this with tears in my eyes. Bob was a great neighbor. I loved finding him in his beautiful yard, planting flowers, pulling weeds or trying to outsmart the deer that ate his flowers. He was always happy to stop and enthusiastically discuss life or current events. Politics is usually a subject to avoid, but we had a blast discussing the candidates and issues. We often disagreed, but unlike most people, he would listen and acknowledge my side of the issue and not let it turn into an argument. Of course, he would then explain the entire history of both sides of the issue. He was so knowledgeable on just about everything. I could always count on Bob for some good advice or just a chance to have a challenging intellectual discussion about any topic. I miss him.
Message from Anjo Mills
December 9, 2017 3:34 PM
I remember this gentle caring man and his two wonderful children Adam and Nora at Madison school. I send sincere condolences to the family. He cared for many.
A candle was lit by Tammy Laird
on December 7, 2017 11:14 AM
© 2024 Coos Bay Chapel. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility