ROBERT CHARLES "BOB" COZENS

COZENS, ROBERT "BOB" CHARLES January 21, 1919 to April 2, 2012 Bob was the second child of five children (Tom, Bob, Dick, Edward (Ted) and Ann) reared by Bert and Grace Cozens. Nicknamed the "Encinitas Express", Bob was a star halfback at San Diego State where he met the love of his life song leader Patricia Anne Hamrick. This July 26th would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. When asked near the end of his life what he was most proud of, his answer was that "he had the opportunity to serve his family, his community, his county, his state, and his country. " Serving his country during WWII Bob flew 25 missions earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three clusters. After the war, Bob joined the family excavating and grading business of BG Cozens and Sons working alongside his father Bert and brother Ted. In 1960, Bob was elected Supervisor for the vast 5th District of San Diego County. His campaign promise was to "bring government closer to the people." Bob made good on his campaign promise by working tirelessly to get a branch office in Vista. In 1970 Bob had the opportunity to serve California as Ronald Reagan's director of the Department of Motor Vehicles. His stewardship resulted in the shift in vehicle registration from December to year round. From Sacramento, Bob and Pat returned to San Diego County and what would be there home for the next 37 years in Whispering Palms in Rancho Santa Fe. Two years later, Bob was asked to be the Executive Director of the newly formed Construction Industry Federation. During his fourteen years as Executive Director, he was instrumental in establishing an outstanding governmental relations program where the industry worked hand in hand with local governmental agencies in the resolution of common problems. Bob is survived by his beautiful wife, Patsy Anne, his sister Ann Largent, sister-in-law Helen Hamrick, children Rob, Lee, and Tom, their respective spouses Susan Stewart Cozens, Mike Mote, and Peggy Prettyman Cozens, a nephew, three nieces, six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Services for Bob will be 11 a.m. June 4th at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Donations may be made to the San Dieguito Heritage Museum or the Encinitas Historical Society. The family can be reached at ptcozens@hotmail.com.