Marillyn Bow and Robert "Bob" Bow
Remembering Their Life Together
Marillyn Bow
October 31, 1926 – June 6, 2020
Marillyn Bow, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in San Jose, CA. Born in Santa Monica, Marillyn grew up following the lead of her older sister and two older brothers. She attended UCLA where she earned her teaching credential and met her lifetime soulmate, Bob. They were married in 1948 and moved to Palo Alto where they raised their two children, Barbara and John, before retiring at the Villages in San Jose. The family spent many memorable summers together at their cabin at Mi Wuk Village and later at Lake Almanor.
Marillyn cherished time with her family and friends, whether it was on the tennis court or at the bridge table. She remained close to her sorority sisters while widening her circle wherever she lived. She enjoyed many hours socializing while mastering her knitting, sewing and quilting skills. “Grandma Bow” built a special relationship with each of her 7 grandchildren who knew that she was always in their corner. A twinkle in her eye would shine whenever she heard a story about them or about any of her 9 great-grandchildren.
In her own words (Fall of 2014), “as I sit and gaze out the window as the sun is setting, I am filled with fond memories of my parents, my brothers and sister, my husband, children and grandchildren as well as my cherished friends. They have all been the cornerstone of my very existence, and each has contributed something precious to my wealth of experiences.”
Robert "Bob" Bow
April 23, 1926 – June 10, 2020
Robert “Bob” Bow passed away peacefully just four days after losing his beloved wife and partner for 71 years, Marillyn. They shared a deep and abiding love. He will be remembered for his kindness to family, friends, fellow coaches, and high school students. As an Athletic Director, coach or teacher, he led by example, never wavering from a fair-minded code of conduct which embraced everyone at all ability levels.
Born in Bay City, Michigan, his family moved to West Hollywood when he was 3 months old. Along with his Catholic upbringing, his mother instilled the importance of good manners which he exhibited throughout his life. This respectful behavior was an unspoken expectation and just one of many positive influences on his children and grandchildren.
As a young student, he was known to talk a lot and was regularly seated in the front of the class to keep his attention. Bob started college at Loyola (now LMU) where he played basketball and baseball but left before graduating to serve in the Army Air Corps during the World War II. When he returned, he finished school at UCLA where he met Marillyn.
After they were married and then moved to Palo Alto, he taught math and coached football at Wilbur (now JLS) and Cubberley High School, before moving to Gunn High School when it opened in 1964 to be its first Athletic Director. Bob enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow teachers and coaches and often shared amusing stories of their experiences. Many of them spent the summer months at Lake Almanor where more memories were shared. After retiring in 1986, when the first Gunn gymnasium was named after him, he would look forward to reunion gatherings, and continually said that he “still bleeds red, white and black.”
Retired life allowed him to play tennis and bridge and spend more time with his 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Bob was a role model of love and devotion. He was “a class act” and will be fondly remembered for his decency and mentorship.
Robert "Bob" Bow
April 23, 1926 – June 10, 2020
If you have any photos or stories about Marillyn and Robert that you would like to share with others, then please send them to [email protected]
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If you have any photos or stories about Marillyn and Robert
that you would like to share with others,
then please send them to [email protected].
Click below to see what has been posted so far.