Robert Bowlin

The Oregon Ducks, Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks lost a loyal fan. Robert Bowlin, 95, of Seattle, WA. passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. He was a cherished brother, uncle, and friend and his presence will be deeply missed.

Bob is survived by his sister, numerous nieces and nephews, many close friends in the community and especially by several neighbors who shared in his joyful spirit.

Bob was a devoted member of Saint James Parish of Seattle where he celebrated his faith since arriving in Seattle.

After serving in the military from 1953-1955 Bob dedicated his life to higher education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in General Social Sciences and Masters of Arts in Secondary Education from California State Polytechnic College (Cal-Poly). In 1964 he earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of Oregon (U of O) and during a 1976-1977 sabbatical was a visiting scholar at Stanford University.

After graduating from Cal Poly, he began his 34-year career in Education as a social studies/English teacher in Whittier, CA. Subsequently he moved back to Pomona, CA. where he was the Registrar and Admissions Officer at Cal Poly before he moved to Eugene, Or.

In 1961 Bob joined the University of Oregon staff as Assistant Dean of Men, then served as acting Registrar, Associate Dean of Students and finally Dean of Students.

In 1983 Bob took a leave from U of O to serve as Associate director of the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges headquartered in Seattle. The commission handles higher education accreditation of universities and colleges in six states.

He enjoyed the extensive exposure to higher education and seeing what other schools were doing thus decided to permanently take the commission job in 1984. After nearly ten years on the Commission staff, he retired.

His family and friends will remember him as a source of great inspiration leading us all by example with his integrity, work ethic, generosity, love for family and his ability to create fun and laughter through his pranks.

A memorial mass is planned in Mount Angel, OR., November 15th at 2:00 pm pst.