Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Robert McGowan Obituary
November 15, 1941
March 22, 2014
Our dad, grandfather, and friend, Bob McGowan, passed away on March 22, 2014, in his home in Reno, Nevada.
Bob served as the Washoe County Assessor from 1983 until his retirement in 2006. He was active in the Washoe County Democratic Party and other community organizations, including Truckee Meadows Habitat for Humanity, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, and the University of Nevada, Reno Alumni Association.
Prior to his election as County Assessor, he worked for the Nevada Attorney General's office, the Clark County Assessor's office, for the Entertainment Director of John Ascuaga's Nugget, and with various political campaigns.
Bob was the youngest child born to Joseph Vincent McGowan and Irene Juanita (Seghetti) McGowan on November 15, 1941, in Vallejo California. He attended Vallejo schools, including St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and served as an officer of the Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity. Bob was married to Jane Griffen for 28 years, beginning February 8, 1976, and together they raised three children.
Along with his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his sister Barbara Parrish and his brother Joseph McGowan.
Bob will live on in his children Meghan, Kevin (Savannah Anderson), and Daniel; his granddaughter Madelyn; and the many people whose lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held April 4, 2014, 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 209 West First Street, Reno, Nevada 89501.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (http://www.lls.org/#/waystohelp/donate/) or contributions made to the WashoeDems (1465 Terminal Way, Suite 1, Reno, NV. 89502).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert McGowan
Joe McGowan
June 4, 2020
Although I didn't get to see him much growing up My Uncle Bob always made me feel a part of the McGowan family. Got to hang out with him a few times as an adult and he was charming, funny and very warm. Wish I could have had more time with him.
Mike & Dottie Kollar
March 22, 2020
Bob, still miss you to this day. Our memories are forever with me.
LARRY Avellar RAZZANO
March 22, 2019
I REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN BOBO AND I WERE KIDS - WHAT A RETRO BLAST WHEN I REMEMBER HIM AND ALL THE FUN WE USED TO HAVE. I LIVE IN KINGMAN, AZ NOW - BUT I APPRECIATE THE MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD AND VISITING HIM IN RENO AS AN ADULT. ALWAYS HELPFUL AND EVEN TREATED ME TO DINNER. RIP
Jerry Sanders
April 17, 2014
Having been Property Tax Director for Harrah's afforded me to get to know Mr McGowan and it was indeed a pleasure to have worked with him for many years.
Milton Sharp
April 5, 2014
Bob and I, fellow members of Prospectors' Club, worked out together for many years, first at Harrahs Hotel fitness center and in recent years at Silver Legacy. I already miss my work out friend. I offer my condolences to the family
April 4, 2014
Working with Bob was always a joy. He was a nice guy.
Hugh & Pamela Ricci
April 4, 2014
Bob always brought a smile to our lives. We were neighbors for over 20 years and our kids grew up together in this beautiful area. We had some great times together and he was always a great supporter of the schools and charitable organizations in Reno. He was also proud to tell us that he was half Italian!! He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Scott Noble
April 2, 2014
As a new Assessor in 1993, Bob took me under his wing and got me involved at the IAAO Conference that year in Washington DC. I never forgot that and he always had my highest and best regards and respects. Scott Noble and Joan Cahill, Seattle, Washington.
April 2, 2014
Bob and I were friends for over fifty years, and had some great times together. I will miss our weekly chats now that I'm retired in Arizona. Megan, Kevin, and Daniel you had a wonderful father and I'm sorry for your loss. Love Ken Berg
April 1, 2014
I have known Bob since 1985. We got to be friends through IAAO and served many times on Committees together. I was privileged to get to know his children and he was so proud of them. He was so excited to be blessed with a granddaughter and most anxious to share the news. He will be truly missed by so many. Faye White, Dandridge, TN
John Tomburello
April 1, 2014
Bob's presence was such a blessing in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McGowan family. Louis, Susan, Ricky, and Dino Tomburello
Lisa Daniels
April 1, 2014
Bob was a stalwart member of the International Association of Assessing Officers, and brought such a spark to all he did for the profession. He was of immense help to us when we held our International Conference in Reno, and was always ready and willing to lend a hand. He will be missed, but his contributions to the assessment profession will live on. Our sincerest condolences to the family, and our thanks for sharing him with our organization.
Lisa Daniels, Executive Director
International Association of Assessing Officers
Ivy Wright-Bryan
March 31, 2014
Bob was my friend. I thought of him often...his huge personality....his huge smile...I will surely miss Bob.
March 31, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Your loved one will always be in your heart...so he really isn't gone. George & Pat Larson, Christine Griffen's parents.
Jim & Mikey Bilbray
March 31, 2014
Bob has been my friend for over 50 years. As a UNR student he volunteered and supported my first run for Congress, and then worked for my DAD as dept Assessor in Clark county. Most people don't know he got his training in Clark County that made him a great Washoe County Assessor. My wife Mikey and I will be there Friday to say to my friend fairwell until we meet someday and you can tell me the latest jokes in Heaven. I truly miss you already
Edward (Mike) Gaeden
March 31, 2014
My prayers to you Bob and your family. I'll miss you.
Al Lockett
March 31, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Martha Gould
March 30, 2014
Bob will be missed by his many friends. I had the pleasure of working with him on the County's Management Team. He was one good man.
Mylan Hawkins
March 30, 2014
Bob McGowan. None better .. damn few as good. I sure am going to miss running into you at the airport, sharing Chicago experiences and catching up on all this political. Blessed to have known you. Hope to catch up again on the other side.
March 30, 2014
Our life is but a vapor. We loved seeing you. Thank you for all your hospitality. Thank you for all the laughter you brought. You will be missed. With loving memories, Michael Tomburello, John Tomburello, Bonnie Tomburello
LARRY (AVELLAR) RAZZANO
March 30, 2014
I BID YOU FAREWELL OLD BUDDY. YOU'RE THE LAST PERSON I WOULD EVER EXPECT TO BE MORTAL-A SEEMINGLY ENDLESS FOUNTAIN OF LIFE AND ENERGY. YOU WERE ALWAYS A FRIEND TO THE END.
March 29, 2014
Our Thoughts & prayers are with you Meghan, Kevin & Daniel. He has been a dear friend since third grade. We will miss him very much.
Mike & Dottie Kollar
Vallejo, CAL.
Nancy Griffen Ives
March 29, 2014
Hey, Bob~
Are the sunsets even more glorious from that side? I hope so, 'cause then you'll be in heaven for sure!
Mary Joan Toch
March 29, 2014
Everyone loved my cousin Bobby! He was quick with a smile and a firm handshake and made you fell like an old friend from the moment he met you.
Meghan, Kevin and Daniel, your dad was so proud of you! His eyes would twinkle whenever he spoke about you.
And yes, it is true, he would pay us to scratch his back!
Mary Joan
March 29, 2014
Everyone loved my cousin Bobby! He was quick with a smile and a firm handshake and made you feel like an old friend from the moment he met you. I remember as I little girl I thought he was so handsome!
Meghan, Kevin and Daniel, you are so lucky to have had Bobby for a dad! He was so proud of you, his eyes would twinkle whenever he spoke of you.
And yes it is true he would pay us to scratch his back!
Mary Joan
Craig Gustavson
March 28, 2014
I really loved Bob, he was such a good-spirit of a man. I'll miss him.
Andrew Barbano
March 28, 2014
After Bob's passing was announced by the Washoe County Commission on March 25, I remembered him when my turn came to speak. As I noted, we will memorialize him at the NevadaLabor.com/César Chávez event in Reno on March 31. You may view my March 27 Sparks Tribune column about Bob at Barbwire.US. It goes back to the day I met my old friend at the Miss Sparks Pageant at John Ascuaga's Nugget on March 14, 1971. With love and warm memories, my heartfelt condolences to his family. Andrew Barbano, Reno Nevada
Terry Curtola
March 28, 2014
Our thoughts go out to Bob's family at this time. Bob was a classmate of my wife at St.Vincents and a good friend of mine, as we both were in politics during the 70's and 80's and had many mutual friends in Vallejo and Reno. He will be missed.
Jolyn & Terry Curtola, Vallejo, CA
Nancy Greenhalgh
March 28, 2014
I am so very sorry for you loss.
Teen Seghetti
March 28, 2014
To my cousin Bobby: I know you are now with your family awaiting you with welcome arms. Heaven will be a happier place with you.
Dorie Guy
March 28, 2014
I loved your Dad. He was such a gentleman and a good friend. I am blessed to have known him. He was so easy to talk to and always eager to listen. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He will be missed by so many. My condolences go to all his family and friends.
Quint Coleman
March 28, 2014
My sincere condolences....
Joe Akrop
March 28, 2014
Bob. God Bless you my friend. I will always have fond memories of our days growing up in Vallejo and the great times we shared . It has been many many years since we have seen one another.
Joe R Akrop,
March 28, 2014
Bob was a wonderful person full of love and life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be so missed.
- The Donahue family
March 27, 2014
Bobby say hello to my Aunt Irene and Uncle Mac for me. you'll get some good Italian cooking now. your Cousin Buz
Hampton Young
March 27, 2014
My condolences. Great man. He will be sorely missed.
zita mckindsey
March 27, 2014
To me he will always be my cousin Bobby, the one who babysat us,threw us in the shower when we didn't behave, brought me to see Snow White, when it first came out, then had to being me home when the soup kettle started dancing and made me cry, and who would pay us to scratch his back. Bobby always made us laugh. You guys had a great dad. With love Zita PS he never never teased me about Snow White and probably never saw the end of that movie.
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Robert McGowan's name
Memorial Events
for Robert McGowan
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert McGowan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
