Rev. Dr. Robert Bowles Memorial on August 10
The Memorial Service for the Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Bowles will be Saturday August 10, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, 16575 Shannon Road, Los Gatos.
June 20, 2024
It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of the Rev. Dr. Robert (Bob) Bowles He was surrounded by family at his home in La Selva Beach in Santa Cruz county. Rev. Bowles had had a long pastorate at Stone (1975 – 1994), beginning as an Associate Pastor, and was called as Pastor in 1981. Under his leadership, the church remained strongly connected to the denomination, was deeply involved in the denominational struggle over ordination rules as they pertained to gay/lesbian ordination, worked with expressions of spirituality, including the beginnings of a move toward forming the Taizé service of prayer, and continued to work in areas of social justice.
Bob was a faithful pastor and friend to many, investing his heart and gifts into leading the people of God in the Presbytery of San Jose. He was ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament in 1971, served as an Assistant Pastor at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Pastor at Stone Church and Pastor at St. Andrew in Aptos. After his retirement in 2008, Bob continued his pastoral service as a Transitional Pastor of Los Gatos Presbyterian Church and continued with his service to the Presbytery and the greater church. Bob has been a past moderator of Presbytery, commissioner to the General Assembly, faithful member of many committees, and has been currently serving as one of our commissioners to the Synod of the Pacific. Bob, his wife Margie and his family, have been worshipping at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos where they have been deeply connected and contributing to the life of the church.
Those who knew Bob observed him to be a man with deep faith in Jesus, wise and gifted in pastoral ministry and always full of great love for God’s people. Those who served with Bob cherished his quick but kind wit and heart for encouragement. Please keep Bob’s wife, Margie and their children, Rob and Amber in your prayers.
Please contact the presbytery office for an address to send cards to the family.