Edward Robert "Bob" McDowall

McDOWALL, Edward Robert ''Bob''

Bob McDowall, a longtime Sacramento businessman, passed away in Sacramento on September 8, 2009, surrounded by his loving family and the caring staff of Sutter CICU. Bob was born in Marysville, Calif., on August 3, 1926. He was preceded in death by his father Edward S. McDowall, mother Phyllis Power McDowall; brother James M. McDowall, and nephew Edward McDowall. Spending his early years in the gold-dredging town of Hammonton, Bob's family moved to Sacramento in the 1930s. A graduate of McClatchy High School Class of 1944, Bob joined the U.S. Army Air Corps to defend his beloved country in World War II. After the war, he resumed his studies at U.C. Berkeley and received a Bachelors in Business Insurance from Armstrong Business College. Bob worked as an appraiser and inspector for Prudential Life insurance before returning to Sacramento to join his father and brothers in building McDowall and Sons Insurance Agency (now McDowall-Keeney). Bob was a long-time member of Sacramento Downtown Rotary, Toastmasters, and Sacramento Camellia Association and was a past Chairman of the Sacramento Executive Airport Advisory Committee. Also, many watched and heard Bob parade in full regalia as a proud piper in the 360th RECT, 91st Div. Army Reserve Pipe Band.

Bob met Betty Lou Gropp through friends at Fremont Presbyterian Church; they married in 1954, and he passed holding Betty's hand after 55 years of loving marriage. Bob is also survived by his devoted daughters and sons-in-law Roberta Mendoza (Herman Mendoza) and Carrie McDowall Telling (William Telling), brother Richard McDowall, proud grandsons Daniel Ludwig, Anthony Mendoza, Joshua Ludwig, and Matthew Mendoza, all of Sacramento, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a brilliant man, loving husband, caring father and grandfather, loyal brother, doting uncle, and good friend to all. His most recent friendships were made with the caring and competent staff of Sutter CICU. His family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for him.

Viewing will be on Mon., Sept. 14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Elk Grove Funeral Chapel, 9101 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove. There will be private interment. Memorial service for Bob will be held on Tues., Sept. 15, 3 p.m. at Fremont Presbyterian Church, 5770 Carlson Dr., Sacramento, CA 95819. Remembrances may be made to Sutter Cardiac Program c/o Sutter Medical Foundation, 2800 L St. Ste. 620, Sacramento, CA 95816.