Robert "Bob" Bowling's Obituary
Dedicated to the Life and Memory of Robert Thecil Bowling: Husband, Father, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Friend
Robert "Bob" Bowling, 63 years old, was born at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota on January 9th, 1961, and passed away on April 16th, 2024 at Providence St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia, Washington.
Bob was the second child and only son born to Clarence and Barbara Bowling. He grew up in Tacoma, Washington, along with his sisters Kimberly Shippey of Auburn, Washington and Dawn Saiglibaglio of Oceanside, California.
Bob graduated from Lincoln High School in 1979 and initiated studies in culinary arts at Bates Technical College. He worked as a cook at Tacoma General Hospital where he met his first wife, Patricia Bernatchey, who has passed away, may she rest in peace.
Both he and Patricia had strong family roots, so they moved to Florida to be near Patricia's family. Bob was able to continue his culinary talents as a French pastry chef at le Chef de France at Epcot Center in Orlando. Patricia and Bob were wed and blessed both families with the birth of their son, Nathaniel "Nate" Bowling in 1982. They eventually moved back to Washington state to assist in Bob's grandmother's care, and to be closer to his family. Though their union ended, their love and pride in Nate was, and remains, limitless.
Bob's talents, attention to detail coupled with his love of cars "drove" him to employment with Canyon Auto Plant (1996-2006). He has maintained friendships from these work families to this day. But is was in 2019 that Bob found his true calling when he applied to North Thurston Public Schools. As a Bus Driver, though initially nervous, he took routes with special needs children. These kids and their parents touched his heart. Bob noted that this community of drivers were family, and his pride in what their work meant brought him true joy and contentment to his very soul.
Bob was prone to injury. This frequently found family at the opposite end of a call hearing the phrase "Guess which hospital I'm at." One such episode led to a chance meeting at a therapy clinic. He fell off his exercise ball, and a therapist assisted him back to a standing position, but not without teasing him about the incident. with help from her coworker, he learned her weaknesses and a month or so later arrived with a beautifully decorated chocolate raspberry cheesecake! 20 years later, their union remains strong.
Bob and Lisa were married on July 14th, 2012. he not only took on his wife, but had been a provider of support, protection and love of her two children, Aaron and Emily. It was fitting that all our children stood with us, giving their consent to our marriage. It is equally fulfilling to see our family grow with two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren and multiple grand-pets, including our own dog, Kona, who is certainly missing his Dad.
Embracing the golden age of empty nesters, we began plotting journeys near and far. we cherished our times at varied waterfronts. We treasured travels with family members, seeing the kids on the east coast, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and two bucket list destinations: Alaska and Ireland. We trust Bob will guide us on our future adventures.
Please join our family in our celebration of Bob's life on Saturday, May 18 at 1:30 PM, Mountain View Memorial Park, Aspen Room, Tacoma, Washington. A reception will follow the service where light fare and beverages will be served.
Bob found great inspiration from the children and families he served. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude's Children' Cancer Research and Hospital, https://www.stjude.org or Seattle Children's Hospital, https://www.seattlechildrens.org
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