Robert Gow
1933-2017
Robert Gow passed away peacefully in Houston on May 2, 2017. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Laura and Grove Brame, David and Audrey Gow, Heather and Jeff Firestone; and his grandchildren, Edward Neese, Hillary Neese, Alexx Brame, Scott Brame, Jack Brame, Lawson and wife Lauren Gow, David Gow Jr., Christopher and wife Katie Gow, Sarah Gow, Wesley Gow, Stephen Firestone, Andrew Firestone and Grace Firestone. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Yeager.
Robert was born April 26, 1933 in Paris, France to Ralph and Eleanor Gow. He spent his childhood in Worcester, Massachusetts. Robert graduated from Groton Prep School, and Yale University where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Skull and Bones.
Robert began work at the Norton Company. Within a year he was called into service by the United States Air Force and was stationed at the Distant Early Warning Line in Alaska. Robert moved to Houston in 1962 when he was recruited by Herbert Walker to work at Zapata Oil. He rose to succeed George H.W. Bush as president of Zapata Off-Shore. Over the years he would serve as founder or president of many companies including Stratford, Enterprise Technology, and SI Diamond. Robert was a serial entrepreneur participating in over 20 different businesses ranging widely from oil drilling and cattle to indoor tropical plants and beekeeping. He loved adventures in life and in business. Robert was also passionate about education and would teach courses in Business and Maya History at Rice University, The University of Houston, Women's Institute, and Merida College.
Robert's greatest two loves were his family and his Hacienda Xixim in the Yucatan. He acquired the 500 year old former henequen plantation in 1986 and spent years restoring the casa principal from ruins. He never stopped studying and adding to the expansive property's rich history. He hosted countless guests and family members while also founding several business ventures. Yucatan Bamboo is now the largest privately owned bamboo plantation in the western hemisphere. He shared his passion for adventures with all insisting that every grandchild must climb a Mayan pyramid and swim in an underground cenote by the age of four. Robert also loved his grandchildren's sporting events coaching many of them in football and rarely missing a game as he cheered them on boisterously with his signature Umm Yaa Yaa!
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 PM on May 23 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston with Dr. Tom Pace officiating.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on May 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gow

10 Entries

Harry Jones

March 10, 2024

Bob was a fascinating person. So creative and knowledgeable on so many subjects. My wife Elouise "Ouisie" Jones asked him to make two beautiful mirrors framed beautifully with bamboo from his Yucatán plantation. So glad I got to know him. My Best to his family. Harry Jones

June 20, 2017

When I met Bob he was my employer, but through the years we worked together, he was my friend, cheerleader and business partner. We had lots of fun together and even getting in and out trouble. A lot of my principals I learned from Bob and still apply to this day. I felt something was not right when I didn't get my annual Christmas card.

Laura, David & Heather, you have my condolences and your dad's spirit lives on in your hearts.

Love you all,
Colleen Banks

Alice Fekete

May 9, 2017

Bob, his sister Barbara, my sister Celia and I spent many Thanksgiving holidays at our mutual paternal grandparents' home in Brookline, MA. I treasure those memories. My condolences to the family.

Bob's gift to Carol on her birthday at Xixim

Carlos and Carol

May 9, 2017

Our sincere condolences to the family. So sad. The plan that Bob and we had was to spend a few days together at Hacienda Xixim, as we had done on all of our previous trips to our home in Progreso, MX. We arrived May 4 just two days after his passing. We used to talk about family...he told us about his and wanted to know every detail about ours. We had great fun discussing his autobiography and each night he would insist that we dance a few tangos while he watched. We spent one Super Bowl Sunday together at Xixim watching the game and eating soft pretzels that we brought from Philly. He was a fascinating man and such a gentleman and we will miss him.
Carlos Douris
and
Carol Helfrich

Steve Milford

May 8, 2017

My deepest condolences to Laura, David and Heather and all other members of the family. The few years I worked with Bob were transformative for me and unforgettable. I can still recall the way his face would light up anytime the topic of his children came up. You were the love of his life.
My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you.

Mimi Crossley

May 6, 2017

Bob was indeed always ready for adventure and wanted everyone else to come with him. So happy that bamboo worked out for him. There are legends today about Bob in Muna and at Uxmal. He was one of a kind.

May 6, 2017

My sincere condolences for your loss.
May the God of all comfort be with the
entire family. He can provide comfort
regardless of how distressing our
situation may be. His Word reassures
us:"He is near to all those calling
upon him,...and their cry for help
he will hear." (Ps. 145:18,19)

May 6, 2017

Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at HOSEA 13:14 L Ohio

Raymond H Goodrich

May 6, 2017

I have indelible memories of long conversations with Mr. Gow about aquaculture and other projects he was contemplating. He impressed me with his knowledge and enthusiasm for diverse interests. He was a first rate dinner guest, that is certain. I cannot forget him. His spouse was equally interesting. I send wishes for peace and acceptance to Heather and her family.

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