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Hurst Funeral Home, Inc.

Greenville, Michigan 48838
Phone: (616) 754-6616
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Web Site: http://www.hurstfuneralhome.com

Robert Walter Gowans Click for Condolences      Printable Version
1927 - 2011

Robert Walter GowansRobert Walter Gowans, 84, of Greenville, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on July 24, 2011 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids, MI.

He was born on February 4, 1927 the son of James W. and Eleanor Gilmore Gowans. Bob grew up in Hutchinson, KS 'Hutch', and was a Navy veteran and proud 1949 Kansas Jayhawk alumnus. He also had loyalty to Michigan State University, having worked in the intramural department there in the 1950s and 60s. He married Geraldine R Bockstahler on June 13, 1966. Bob taught biology at Greenville High School, and retired in 1988. An avid sports fan, Bob will be remembered most for his passion for golf, a love that was fostered at his favorite venue, the Greenville Country Club, for over four decades. As a past president of GCC, Bob worked for many years to keep the club at its best. There, he enjoyed not only the golf, but many a cup of coffee and countless hours of camaraderie and story telling with his buddies. Bob was most proud of his son Dave and daughter-in-law Kate, who reside in Cleveland, and persuaded him to cheer on the Indians, in addition to his hometown Tigers. He was blessed with two grandchildren, Benjamin Robert Eugene and Lucy Emily, and is also survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Gerri, his sister-in-law Barb (Bob) Herkner of Florida and brother-in-law Ralph (Wila) Bockstahler of Caledonia and Leland. His sister Margaret Lundstrom preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday July 28, 2011 at 7 PM from Hurst Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Jerrold T. Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM prior to the services on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be given to the Education Foundation of Greenville endowment campaign in care of Greenville Area Community Foundation 101 N. Lafayette St. Greenville MI 48838 or left at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be sent via hurstfuneralhome.com.


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There are currently 38 condolences.


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Friday March 2, 2012 at 6:27 PM

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Saturday January 21, 2012 at 9:49 AM

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Linda Strodtman
Friday July 29, 2011 at 12:02 PM

Gerri and Family, Our family is sorry to hear of Bob's death. He was a loyal friend to my Dad, Glen Keith Tanner and my brother Dave Tanner. May they all be playing golf together again. I will always remember Bob and his kindness especially during my Dad and Dave's final illnesses. His friendship was forever...Bless all of you as you grief your loss. Linda
 
bruce fuller
Thursday July 28, 2011 at 6:25 PM

my condolence to geri and family. i have fond memories of time spent with bob at the Club and being entertained by his numerous anecdotes...
 

Thursday July 28, 2011 at 3:14 PM

Gerri and Family, so sorry for your loss. Bob was a huge part of my growing up in Greenville, from golf coach, to opponent or partner at GCC, to very good friend and supporter. Nothing but good memories. He will be missed.
 
Brian Yackey
Thursday July 28, 2011 at 12:57 PM

Dave and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I didnt know your father but can tell you have reason to reflect on the many lives he touched in such a positive way.
 
Paul Proctor
Thursday July 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM

So sorry to here of his passing. I have nothing but fond memories of Mr. Gowans (Bob), from the classroom to whenever we were in each other's presence. He will be missed. Paul Proctor
 
Erik Harms
Thursday July 28, 2011 at 11:34 AM

My condolences to the Gowans family. I enjoyed coffee with Bob every morning at the Club and enjoyed his stories. I know there are some good golf match ups where he is at now. Go Green Bob.
 
Richard "Ernie" Eherenman
Thursday July 28, 2011 at 7:37 AM

 
Gail Brown
Thursday July 28, 2011 at 7:15 AM

To Mr Gowans family, I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Gowans was a wonderful teacher and made me appreciate biology even though he could tell it would never be my passion. He will be missed.
 
Chuck Schuleit
Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 11:13 PM

My condolences to Geri, Dave, & family. Enjoyed our rounds with Bob & Dave in the invitationals. He was a fun person with a good sense of humor.
 
Lee and Rick
Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 6:01 PM

gerri,dave and family...we were shocked and are very sad to hear about bob. we will miss our good neighbor, friend and fellow golfer. our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time your loss. lee and rick
 
Steven Nichols
Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 3:47 PM

Gerri - Dave & Family: Dad told me of Bobs passing last night. I will fondly remember Mr Gowans as a great neighbor and teacher. I had him for several classes in High School more years ago that I care to remember. While in his class, he always treated me well and encouraged me to always give my best. When ever I would see Bob after I graduated High School, he always asked me how I was doing and usually had a kind word for me. Sadly, I had not seen him for years but will carry the memories I have of him for a lifetime. Steve Nichols GHS Class of 1979
 
Kathy Johnson McCaman
Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 3:39 PM

I will always remember my Biology clas at GHS, and how Mr. Gowans made it so interesting., He was a great teacher. Sorry for your loss.
 
Judy Mc Lain Lafferty
Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 1:54 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Gowans was more than a teacher, he was a Mentor and Friend. He helped me through so tough times and I will always remember him for that. He will be sadly missed. God Bless.
 
Wendy J. (Eastman) Nyman
Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 9:13 AM

I'll always remember Mr.Gowans biology class my freshman year at GHS (1964-1965). I believe it was his first year at Greenville High School too!
 
Terry Hankis
Wednesday July 27, 2011 at 7:20 AM

I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I will always cherish the morning coffee get togethers at GCC where issues from politics to sports were discussed. My sympathies to Gerri, Dave and family. Terry Hankis
 
Bob Murphy
Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 7:03 PM

My deepest sympathies are extended to Gerri, Dave and family. Bob was a truly unique individual with a gift of warmth and passion for life. I spent many a day with Bob at the Country Club and always enjoyed his company. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
 
Larry Murphy
Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 3:56 PM

Having worked with Dave for the past three years I understand why his father is so proud of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness.
 
Charles & Claudia Faery & Family
Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 3:00 PM

We are saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I have many fond memories of day's spend on the golf course at GCC. Bob was a great person and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
 
Megan (Cushman) Ingles
Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 12:36 PM

Mrs Gowans,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Mr. Gowans golfing at the Country Club, along with the great stories he would share with the fellow members and his friends over their morning cups of coffee. Our deepest condolences, he will be missed.
 
Jan (Fluegge) Yonker
Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 11:07 AM

Dear Mrs. Gowans and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though I graduated in 1969, I still distinctly remember Mr. Gowans' class in HS, he was a great teacher, a nice and upbeat person, and obviously a cherised friend to many. God bless.
 
Cheryl (Pixley) Johnson
Tuesday July 26, 2011 at 12:13 AM

My condolences to your family! I had Mr Gowens for a couple of years, I will always remember the fun we had in his class. Rest in Peace Mr Gowens!
 
Janette Parker
Monday July 25, 2011 at 11:56 PM

My heart felt sympathy is with the family. I always enjoyed the time that I spent with Bob, he was always so pleasant and easy to be around. I will miss his presence, he was so sincere and real--I am selfish by wanting him here, but also I am so very relieved that all of this bad event was quick. I know how proud Bob was of his family--and rightfully so. He was a wonderful person with a quick wit and is looking down from the "18th. hole" at all of us. My love is with each of you. It's tough to let go and harder yet to move on. My Love
 
Marjie Lundstrom & family
Monday July 25, 2011 at 8:23 PM

Dear Aunt Gerri, David & Kate, We are so very stunned and saddened. Uncle Bob was one-of-a-kind, a hearty and robust guy who took such pleasure in life. Mom adored him. Our prayers are with you. I am sorting old photos and will send many soon. Love, Marjie Lundstrom, Sam Stanton, Nick & Riley
 
Kathy Athey
Monday July 25, 2011 at 5:02 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I remember well the good times at GCC and Bob was a part of that. Gerri, you have my deepest sympathies.
 
Greg Turcovsky
Monday July 25, 2011 at 5:01 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. If there is anything, just ask. Greg
 
Amy Pisoni
Monday July 25, 2011 at 4:29 PM

Dave and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Even though I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, his presence was always welcoming and kind. He raised an amazing son in you Dave and I know that you will continue to honor him by being the wonderful father and husband that he taught you to be by his example. You and your family are in my prayers! Amy
 
Bryan Cushman
Monday July 25, 2011 at 4:24 PM

Gerri and family, I have so many great memories of Bob. He was my Coach, my teacher and my friend. He will be missed. I am sorry I will not be able to attend his funeral, I am out of town this week. My sincerest condolences, Bryan
 
Deb Joki (Diehl)
Monday July 25, 2011 at 4:06 PM

Mrs. Gowans, Dave, Kate, and family, Sorry to hear that Mr. Gowans passed on. Even all these years after graduation he would always have a big smile for me and ask about life, my kids, and Dad. He will be remembered as a good hearted man who made the kids he taought feel like their thoughts mattered.
 
Bill Wilson
Monday July 25, 2011 at 2:45 PM

Gerri,Dave,Kate,and kids. I was shocked to hear of Bob's passing. I have so many great memories of Bob, coaching, teaching, working in the pro shop, and being a great friend. He always had so many stories to share. He will be sorely missed by the entire Greenville Community.
 
Glenn Emelko
Monday July 25, 2011 at 2:07 PM

Dave and family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope that you all find the time in between sharing your sorrows to share the joys of your memories, just as my family and I did with the loss of my grandmother a few weeks ago. Please accept my sincere condolences. Glenn
 
Gina Petrella
Monday July 25, 2011 at 12:58 PM

Dave and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry to hear about your loss. With love, Your Aclara Family
 
Candace (Jaehnig) Larkin
Monday July 25, 2011 at 9:59 AM

I had a nice conversation with Bob just a few weeks ago when we were waiting in line at the bank. He told me that the golf cart he bought from my Dad, Wallie Jaehnig, was still running when GCC closed! He was such a nice man...I am very sorry for your loss. Candy (Jaehnig) Larkin
 
Scott Schuppert
Monday July 25, 2011 at 8:51 AM

Gerri , Dave and family . I am so sorry for your loss. I cherish the memories of playing high school golf for Bob 40 years ago. He was not only a great coach , but a wonderful friend over the years. He will be greatly missed.
 
Bob & Lori Reed
Sunday July 24, 2011 at 9:00 PM

He was an inspiration because of his smile, his friendliness and his enthusiasm. He will be sorely missed. You all must know how fortunate you are to have had such a positive role model and such a caring, involved father. Our best to you and please know that our thoughts are with you as is our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Bob & Lori Reed
 
R. Gene Stout
Sunday July 24, 2011 at 8:29 PM

My sympathy to Gerry, my son-in-law and daughter, David and Kate; their children, Ben and Lucy; the family further extended; and friends from Greenville to MSU, to the plains, and beyond. In your grief, you can take pride in his influences on his family. In my sorrow for his loss, I am an appreciative beneficiary of those influences and Bob's character. I am proud of his family, honored by his friendship, and comforted by his enduring guidance. My God continue to bless us all.
 
Carol Sorensen
Sunday July 24, 2011 at 5:28 PM

Gerry and Dave- I was surprised to hear of Bob's death. Please know that he will always be remembered for his humor and happy laugh. There was always a story when Bob was around. I'll be unable to attend the funeral as I'll be out of town. Sincere sympathy to all of you.................Carol Sorensen
 







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