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Rev. Robert N. Boswell
REV. ROBERT N. BOSWELL "Bob" Robert "Bob" Boswell, age 91, died peacefully in Fresno on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, following a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's. Bob was born and raised in Fresno, where he attended Roosevelt High School. He excelled in sports, receiving numerous awards for track and field. He graduated from Fresno State College in 1943, with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree. In 1947, he received his Masters of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion where, in 1951, he also earned his Master of Sacred Theology Degree. Rev. Boswell received his Doctor of Divinity Degree from the University of the Pacific in 1963. While playing softball for a church team, Bob met and fell in love with Betty B. Brier. They married on June 30, 1941, and celebrated 67 years of marriage before Bob passed away. A life-long Methodist, his journey began at Grace Methodist Church in Fresno. Rev. Boswell began his ministry in 1941, while still in college, serving as student pastor in Del Rey. It was here he soon demonstrated his commitment to social justice, assisting Japanese Americans who were being interred during World War II. He was later ordained as a Methodist minister, serving California churches in Dos Palos, Mountain View, South San Francisco, and Los Gatos. In 1953, the Bishop of the Methodist Church appointed him as the Executive Director of the Conference Board of Education. From this position in 1958, he returned to his hometown of Fresno as the District Superintendent for the Fresno area. A commitment to social justice continued throughout his ministry. He fought for equal housing opportunities for new immigrants, he worked with the homeless, directed the Fresno Migrant Ministry and was an advocate for Head Start programs in Fresno. With a ministry spanning over 30 years, Rev. Boswell touched many lives and provided many thought-provoking ser-mons. 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. 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! He was an avid gardener who lovingly tended his roses. Bob loved the "Big Fresno Fair" and was considered an unofficial docent. He loved traveling, especially to Europe, Israel, Hawaii and Ashland, Oregon. He was a passionate reader on a myriad of topics and, being highly inquisitive and well researched, could fearlessly discuss any subject, citing facts and quotes with conviction. Bob is remembered for his generosity, quiet dignity and gentle grace, his calming effect on conflict, his passion for social justice, his sensitive insight to human conditions, his thirst for knowledge, and the uncanny ability to see a potential sermon in everyday events. He leaves a legacy of unwavering faith in God, unconditional love of life and family, and compassion for all people. 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 Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 E. Barstow, Fresno on Saturday, August 23, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. Contributions may be made to Wesley UMC (1343 E. Barstow; Fresno 93710) or Poverello House (P.O. Box 12225; Fresno 93777). PALM MEMORIAL CHAPEL2983 Tulare Street Fresno, Ca. (559)233-7267
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