Rev. Robert N. Boswell

Rev. Robert N. (Bob) Boswell Robert (Bob) Boswell, 91, died peacefully in Fresno on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, following a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's. With a ministry spanning over thirty years, Rev. Boswell touched many lives and provided many thought-provoking sermons. He was a mentor and counselor for numerous clergy and laypersons, directed church camps, and served in many leadership and consulting capacities for the Methodist church and California-Nevada conference. In 1963 he was called to serve at the Los Gatos Methodist Church. Retiring from ministry in 1971, Bob served as Director of Development and Community Relations for Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose for the next eleven years. The Boswells returned to Fresno in 1988 to be closer to family and friends. Remaining an avid athlete Bob swam, played golf and handball for many years. At age 50, he resumed road running as a hobby and competed in numerous local 5 and 10K races. Bob ran the Santa Cruz-Capitola "Wharf to Wharf" 10K road race for over 20 years, and at age 85 was still averaging a 14-minute mile! Bob is survived by his wife, Betty, and his children, Barbara (Bobbie) Vivian and her husband Ron of Fresno, Craig Boswell of Carmel and Beverly Brook and her husband Stoney of Santa Cruz. He also leaves four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, and an extended family all of whom will fondly remember him as "Daddy Bob." A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23rd, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 E. Barstow, Fresno. Contributions may be made to Wesley UMC (1343 E. Barstow, Fresno 93710).