Robert William Cowdrey

Born in Nuremberg, Germany, to Lt. Col. Charles Howard and Catherine (Quass) Cowdrey, Bob's father was eventually posted at Fort Ord, CA before an assignment moved the family to White Sands, NM. Upon his father's retirement from the US Army, they returned to the Monterey Peninsula, settling in Del Rey Oaks. Bob often recounted tales of his happy, adventurous boyhood, which tested parental limits, until he graduated from Monterey High School in 1968.

Bob began his 50-year career of service, first by joining the US Army in early 1969, where he was posted at the West German border and trained under the US Army Corps of Engineers. He came home after his honorable discharge to work in the hospitality industry and was initially hired by Del Monte Hyatt in 1971, with a later transfer to their Birmingham, AL property. Bob returned to the peninsula to join Doubletree Hotels in the opening of their Monterey property (now the Portola Hotel and Spa), working closely with the City of Monterey and the newly-opened Monterey Conference Center. In 1979, Bob moved across the street to join the new ownership of the Hotel San Carlos (now the site of Monterey Marriott), a property recently purchased by a group of local Monterey businessmen. These last two enduring, important relationships would be significant to Bob’s future efforts, relative to revitalizing downtown Monterey.

Having always worked in Hotel Operations, Bob took opportunity to change his career path to Sales and Marketing, which meant new experiences and travel. He expanded his resort/convention sales expertise by accepting jobs in Palm Springs; Jackson Hole, WY; Grand Rapids, MI; and San Francisco. Then a chance was offered to move back to the Monterey Peninsula to be closer to his family and, for the next 23 years, the Pebble Beach Company was ‘home’. Initially hired for the 1987 opening of The Inn at Spanish Bay, he was invited to join the impressive pool of talent at Pebble Beach Resorts for the next 20 years. Bob managed sales, marketing, and conference services, as well as being integral to the planning and success of numerous world-class special events. He departed from the company as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2007.

During his early years at PB Resorts, Bob met Karen Pennell (Golf Division Office Manager) and their romance began while playing on the same winning company softball team. They married at Carmel Valley Ranch on September 9,1989 and Vanessa was born that December. Bob celebrated the birth of his daughter with John Chadwell, President-Pebble Beach Company, at The Inn’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza and both were denied entry into Chomp at midnight to visit her due to excessive jubilation (fueled by a few celebratory toasts). Bob and John shared a special bond at work and in play; their family became our family.

After leaving the employ of PB Resorts, Bob continued to work for Pebble Beach Company as a consultant to help, primarily, with the planning of the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach, his third Championship (1992 and 2000). In the fall of 2009, Cowdrey was hired as the interim CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau and led the search to hire a permanent Replacement.

In 2011, an opportunity to go back downtown was presented to Bob—a position he couldn’t refuse: General Manager of the Monterey Conference Center. It was sweet irony to work again with the City and its hotel community…truly, "an opportunity of a lifetime" to be united in the purpose of renewal and growth. During his 5-year tenure with the City of Monterey, Bob was instrumental in developing, coordinating, and implementing the Monterey Conference Center Renovation project, including the Conference Center Financing District financial plan.

Bob worked tirelessly with stakeholders from the meeting industry, local hospitality partners, business and residential community, and City staff on the $60M renovation of the 40-year old Conference Center and revitalization of downtown Monterey. The Conference Center would again be the focal point of our Downtown upon completion of construction in January 2018. During his tenure, Bob also assisted with the Leon Panetta Lecture Series in many capacities, working closely with Defense Secretary Leon and Silvia Panetta, to end their busy day with a successful evening of poignant conversation at the Monterey Conference Center and, later, the Carmel Sunset Center.

In 2016, Bob was proud to receive the honor of Person of the Year from the Monterey County Hospitality Association and was celebrated in 2017 at their annual dinner. Following his career path, it is easy to understand why Bob connected with so many people of different walks of life, professional positions, and talents.

From being ringside, emotional support crew as dedicated “$how Dad” during Vanessa’s equestrian career to taking care of the Panetta’s beloved dog, Bravo, during lecture series evenings, Bob’s calming presence spanned all scales of need; his kindness and humor greatly easing the tensest of situations.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, as well as sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Ken Hansen. Missing him now are: Big Brother Don Cowdrey (Mary Paul); wife, Karen Cowdrey; children: Kris Cowdrey (Pilar), Jeremy Cowdrey (Janey and family), Vanessa Cowdrey; numerous dear nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law. Always ready to tell a story, share a laugh, and offer a piece of wisdom or hand up, his friends and family will feel his absence. The love expressed for Bob has bolstered our family during this difficult time. We have been blessed because of his generousness and we will live his example by offering kindness to others in our journey on this planet until we, too, return to stardust.

Cremation and interment arrangements are being coordinated by The Paul Mortuary, with a graveside ceremony and military color guard being planned at El Carmelo Cemetery, Pacific Grove. In lieu of flowers, or to honor Bob’s memory, please donate to: Monterey Jazz Festival (www.montereyjazzfestival.org/jazz-education), Rancho Cielo, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, or Point Lobos Foundation.

We thank everyone for their condolences, shared memories, and support.