Robert "Bob" Patrick Owens

Feb 17, 1954 -

Feb 5, 2024

Bob's life story begins on Feb. 17, 1954, when he was born to Walter "Pat" and Cecile Owens in Spokane, Wash.

Bob enjoyed Spokane's elementary and high schools and attended Washington State University, going on to achieve a Juris Doctorate in law from Gonzaga University. Seeking a post-doctorate degree, Bob attended Tulane University achieving a master's in maritime law. Bob has carried his Washington State University loyalty throughout his life and remained suspicious of rival Huskies fans, consistently questioning all of his physicians about their affiliations.

Those who know will tell you Bob is the world's best father, always showing up with unending patience and a consistent, unwavering commitment to maintaining family relationships. Bob's first family in marriage with Robin Miller raised two children: Meghan Owens of Houston and Ryan Owens of Anchorage. After 10 years of singlehood, Bob joined Suzanne Little and Hattie Sage in 2011, where Bob became dad to Hattie and Suzanne's spouse and partner. Bob's loving, witty ways will be greatly missed by his family including five siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. His dear friends, colleagues and the outdoor and pickleball communities will cherish memories of Bob.

Bob served on the Hope Community Resources Board for over 20 years, providing guidance for the organization through leadership transitions and pandemic challenges in order to continue the organization's services to

people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the last 10 years, Bob has been a loyal volunteer with the American Field Service exchange student program both as a host dad and as an AFS volunteer staff liaison to foreign exchange students, many of whom think of him as dad. Bob has served as a board member of the Anchorage Bar for decades; was a charter member of the organization's Young Lawyers section; and was a founder of Anchorage Youth Court.

Bob has been a Senior Attorney for the Municipality of Anchorage Civil Division since 2005, and his legacy project for the last 13 years has been leading the Municipality's lawsuit against the federal government for the flawed

port construction project at the Port of Alaska. Bob will miss the penultimate action on the case before the Federal Court of Appeals in March, but the Municipality will be well-represented there by Bob's longstanding solid legal team.

We're heartbroken that Bob's life came to a close on Feb. 5, 2024, as the result of a heart attack. We hope that for every tear that falls, we are rewarded with twice that many memories of all the times that Bob made us feel like there was no such thing as sorrow.

Please join us to honor, remember, and celebrate Bob Owens's life of service on Feb. 22, 2024, from 2-4 p.m., at the Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop in Anchorage.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory can be sent to Hope Community Resources, 540 West International Airport Road, Anchorage, AK 99518; htps://www.hopealaska.org/product/DONATE-QUICK/donatetoday.php.

Condolence correspondence can be sent to 3521 Admiralty Bay Drive, Anchorage, AK 99515.