Robert Bruce Cowden

It was a full moon when he arrived and a full moon when he left. Robert (Bob/Bobby) Bruce Cowden was born on August 4, 1946, in Madison, WI to Robert A. Cowden and Corinne H. Cowden. Bob was the older brother to Jack and Laura. Bob grew up in Viroqua, WI. At the age of 13, the family moved to Albuquerque, NM. Albuquerque became Bob's lifelong home. Bob graduated from Sandia High School and began college at the University of New Mexico (UNM), wanting to major in Alchemy. His schooling was interrupted by a stint in the Navy as a Corpsman in Vietnam. After returning from the Navy, Bob continued his studies at UNM in order to complete his degree and become a pharmacist (since there was not a pressing need for alchemy). While working at the UNM hospital, Bob met Sandra Garcia. The pair married in June 1971. A few years later they welcomed a son Christopher and daughter Karen. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Sandy when cancer took her in 1985. Bob was a dedicated loving father to his children. Bobby was known for his kindness and (albeit twisted) sense of humor. His family grew with the addition Elynn and Kristan. Bob had many passions: reading, green chile cheeseburgers, whiskey, and of course fútbol (soccer). This love of soccer he shared with his son. Bob loved being a grandfather. In recent years he bonded with Leo when he moved to Albuquerque. "Other Grandpa" (as his grandkids called him) delighted in long chats with grandson Matías, and they shared a special trip to the Wisconsin state science fair. Grandpa shared his love of fine food with granddaughter Ellie. And of course, Other Grandpa adored teasing his energetic youngest granddaughter, Rory. On August 31, 2023, Bob joined his wife Sandy and parents Bob and Corinne in heaven. His memory is shared by his brother Jack (Belle) Cowden, sister Laura (Greg) Kellogg, son Chris Cowden, daughter Karen (Richard Dahl) Cowden Dahl, grandchildren: Leo Knighten, Matías Dahl, Ellie Dahl, and Rory Dahl. Bob will forever be remembered by his close family including Elynn Cowden, Kristan (David) Galbraith, Gavin and Ryan. Bob is survived by many lifelong friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dad, Bob, Bobby or Other Grandpa....will be forever missed. In lieu of flowers go see a soccer game, hug your loved ones, and support cancer research.