Bob Howard
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Robert “Bob” Bruce Howard, 63, of Columbia passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 2, 2012. No services are planned at this time. He was born Dec. 1, 1948, in Springfield to Bruce and Mary Helen Howard. He is survived by his wife, Debbie of Columbia; and a daughter, Erica of Grapevine, Texas. He will be missed by aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece and a nephew.
Visits: 1
I will miss Bob so very much. Not only was he my gymnastics coach when I was young, but he has taught both of my children at Tumblebees. They always looked forward to their time with him. Even with his serious personality, he came up with some pretty funny quips to make the little ones and parents laugh. We often went early to class to get a chance to catch up. He was so very proud of Erica and beamed when he spoke of her and her job. Debbie and Erica, you are in my thoughts. I’m so sorry for your loss and the loss of a man that touched the lives of lots of little people in Columbia.
I was so sad to hear the news early this week. My three kids have been attending classes since my oldest was a year old and he will be ten in October. My seven year old had really been enjoying the big kid class and my four year old just finished up the spring session and was looking forward to going back in the fall after our fourth baby is born this summer. We will so miss our weekly trip across town. Coach Bob was a great instructor and new so much information about child physical development. He also was very good about making parents feel like they were doing a great job no matter how their child acted in class. We will miss you Coach Bob and our family is so sorry for your loss Debbie and Erica.
So sad to hear that Bob has passed away. My children both attended Tumblebees many years ago. My deepest sympathies to Bob’s family.
Dear Debbie and Erica,
I am so sorry to learn about Bob and will miss him a lot. I was looking forward to our election season banter, and seeing him at our weekly dinners. Mostly, I will miss hearing the stories of his wonderful students at Tumblebees. He loved each and every one of them, and we could not go anywhere without a small one yelling across the room, “Hi Coach Bob!” I know somewhere in heaven, Bob is organizing a line of little ones to get ready to take a turn on the tumble mats.
My heart is saddened by the news of Bob’s passing. Two of my children enjoyed his classes very much. He was so gentle with my daughter who struggles with anxiety meeting new people and adjusting to new situations. He will certainly missed. I pray that his family and friends find comfort and peace during this time of loss.
Dear Howard family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob made such a wonderful, lasting and positive impression on our children. I am grateful to have enjoyed the Tumblebee experience, knowing that my kids are that much richer for it. He will be remembered and missed. Affectionately, the Kovaleski family
Adam and I are so sorry to hear this news. He was a special guy and we appreciate him teaching our daughter.
Our daughters LOVED Tumble Bee Bob! They were there over 15 years ago and still remember him and his sweetness, and STAMPS! I bet Bob is putting stamps on little hands right now up in heaven. Special man to so many families. Our deepest sympathy. Rob, Sherry, Carly and Sadie Allen
My heart was so sad when I heard the news of Mr. Bob. He was loved by countless toddlers in Columbia, and boy did he know how to throw a party. Both of our boys were one of Mr. Bob’s toddlers for years…longer than they were a toddler and had every birthday with him until they turned 5. What a special man who gave children so many great experiences and love. You will be greatly missed Bob!
We send our deepest sympathies to Bob’s family. We have taken our kiddos to Tumblebees for over 10 years and have always loved his quick wit and fun personality!! We were always on the same page when it came to discipline and children and I LOVED that about Bob! We also loved seeing him out at all of our favorite restaurants on the weekends….especially CJ’s! Columbia will be at such a loss without him and we will certainly miss him.
The Dampier Family
Bob will be missed by our family so very much. Both of my girls were lucky enough to have participated in TumbleBee classes with Mr. Bob. I feel fortunate that they were able to take part in a Columbia tradition of toddlers. Even in his recent talks of retirement, he was still enthusiastic with students, down playing on the floor with them and giggling at their antics. I am praying for his family and the countless children that will be affected by his passing.
Time for stamps!
Our sympathies are with the Howard family. Bob was always a highlight of our week! Our little ones always looked forward to seeing “Bee Bob” and getting stamps! He always new how to get a smile and help a stubborn toddler (and the toddler’s parent). We are deeply saddened with his passing and will miss Bob tremendously.
The Clapper Family
Our prayers are with you during this tough time! It saddened my heart to have to tell my kids about Bob’s passing. My daughter has always called him ” Teacher Bob” instead of coach and people always got a kick out of it,but I think my daughter nailed it. bob was much more than a coach. He really was a teacher to both kids and parents! What a blessing his life was to so many…he is missed by many in our community!
Creech Family
Dear Debbie and Erica,
Bob taught gymnastics to both of my children over 25 years ago. They always talk fondly of that experience. Bob Howard will be missed by many. We will miss his historical perspective on things and his great wit.
Debbie & Erica,
I am so sorry for your loss. My family loved “Coach Bob” so much! He gave us tons of good ideas, timely encouragement as a parent, so much wisdom, and too many stamps to count. He was truly a blessing to my girls and to me. Thank you for sharing him with us each week in Tumblebees. He was a treasure!
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss, Erica & Debbie. I went to Bob when I was little, and he has been my source of inspiration for my own career. I appreciate so much he has done for me, and if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. He has put smiles on the faces of so many little children. there is a special, special place for Bob reserved in heaven.
To Bob’s family:
We were saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. He was truly a great man. We hope that you will take comfort in knowing what an impact he made on the lives of so many children (and us parents too). You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.