In Memory

Robert Towne

Bob Towne passed away the morning of May 5, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Bob is survived by Linda, his devoted wife of 45 years; sons Bill and Brad; daughter-in-law Leila; grandchildren Liam and Nora; sister and brother-in-law Suzi and Jim Bakker; brother and sister-in-law Fred and Cindy Towne; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1942 and grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and Sacramento, California, where he was active in scouting and athletics. He graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1960. In the Fall of that year Bob enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in Mathematics and joined the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He later became a manager of the Cal men’s basketball team and was a lifelong supporter and fan of Cal athletics.

After a stint in the U.S. Army serving in Germany, Bob married the love of his life, Linda, in May 1969. He worked for over 25 years in management for Safeway before returning to school in the early 1990s to pursue his Master’s in Chemistry at San Jose State University, while continuing to work full-time. Act two of Bob’s career found him working as a pharmaceutical scientist at Syntex (later Roche) in Palo Alto and then Dey Labs in Napa.

Bob retired from Dey in 2009 and turned his attention to his family, hobbies, and causes – camping with Linda and the grandchildren; taking extended trips to the U.K. with Linda; catching up with fraternity brothers and high school classmates; birding; reading; attending Cal football and basketball games; and supporting political and environmental causes.

Bob was a loving and devoted husband; an affectionate and dedicated father, grandfather, and brother; a brilliant, inquisitive and thoughtful person; a loyal and generous friend; a believer in social justice and environmental stewardship; and an exemplary role model in all that he pursued.

He will be missed more than words can express.

No formal service or memorial is planned at this time. However, you are invited to share this email with any and all friends and colleagues you knew to be a part of Bob’s life.

Those wishing to honor Bob are encouraged to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

http://www.lls.org

Best Wishes,

The Towne Family



 
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05/23/14 01:16 PM #1    

Robert (Bob ) Walters

I am very saddened to hear of Bob's passing.   Bob and I were on the track Team for a few years and we had some great competitions all over Sacramento.   I knew his Parents, who were impressive, intellectual, kind, great to talk to, and just Great PARENTS.   My most recent memories of Bob were at the CKM 50th Reunion. I spent much time visiting Bob and his wonderful Wife, Linda.   Bob added to my life with his kindness, being a fellow track guy, his Family, and will be missed....What a GREAT GUY !!!!   

Ole Track Mate, Bob Walters


05/24/14 03:51 PM #2    

Dan Davidson (Davidson)

Unfortunately, we of the class of '60 are aging, getting old, and beginning to realize how precious little time we have. Bob Towne was a teammate of mine on the track team so many years ago.  It is a bit sad that all of us rarely see one another once we leave school.  Memories are all we have left; fortunately, they are good ones. 

My condolences to the family and friends of Robert Towne.


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