Hall of Fame
Bob Dowding was one of the five original, full-time faculty members at Orange Lutheran. A Nebraska native, he received his B.S. in physical education from Concordia Teachers' College in Seward, Nebraska; he minored in Biology. He earned his master's degree in administration of physical education from California State University, Los Angeles.Â
Bob married Marie Ann Vernon on July 3, 1970. They had two children, Kent and Mandy. Summers were spent on trips to the midwest to visit grandparents and relatives. Many hours were spent attending sporting events of the children of the children. Bob enjoyed sports, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He would tell people Nebraska was "God's Country". He continued to remain the farm boy of his youth.Â
Coach Dowding served our ministry from 1973-1994. He taught physical education and science, and served as athletic director while coaching football, basketball, and track in realy years. He coached football until 1989 and was active in the Orange County Athletic Directors Association and served as president of the Arrowhead League.Â
In the early 90's, Bob was diagnosed with sinus cancer and fought a tough battle while here on campus. By God's grace and the miracles of moderm medicine, the disease appeared to be in remission. The Dowdings joined the Seattle Lutheran High School Saint's family in 1994 and in 2014, Bob retired.Â
In 2014, after twenty years , Coach Dowding's sinus cancer returned. He was called home to glory with his Heavenly Father on February 24, 2015.Â
Bob was a man of Christian character who was admired and lvoed by many. his actions and examples will be a legacy to all the lives he touched. After the love of his Savior was the love of his family. His proudest role was being grandfather to Isaiah, Nick, and Thomas. His players considered Coach Dowding a role model and true confidant. His peers appreciated his work ethic and what he stood for.Â
