Obituary of Robert Horace Darrow

Robert H. (Bob) Darrow Obituary, Attorney at Law Robert H. (Bob) Darrow hung up his golf bag for good, having passed away on Friday, August 6 at the age of 83. He lived his life with a passion for service to his family, his law practice, his community and his country. He was an avid golfer, expert gardener and loved to cook. Bob's first starting time was on January 4, 1927 when he was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He moved to Santa Cruz at the age of 3. In Santa Cruz, he attended Branciforte Junior High, where he was the editor of the Branciforte Bee school newspaper. He graduated early from Santa Cruz High School as the valedictorian in order to enlist in the US Navy in support of the war effort during World War II. After attending Hartnell College and UC Berkeley (Go BEARS!), he graduated from the Hastings College of Law in 1953. His first job was in the District Attorney's Offfice in 1954 under the direction of the first woman district attorney in Santa Cruz. The first and only mulligan in his game was when the DA was up for re-election and he and his co-workers pledged to resign if she was not re-elected. When she lost the vote, Bob resigned and started his private law practice in 1955, which he continued until the day he died. Bob improved his golf game in 1955 when he married Betsy, his lifelong caddy, who preceded him in death in September 2009. They walked the fairways of life together for 54 years and raised five little duffers who have carried on their love of faith, family and education. During his 55 years of practicing law and living in Santa Cruz, Bob worked tirelessly to shoot under par for his countless clients and the other people he served. Even after finishing his round he would return to the golf course of the community to volunteer on many boards, committees and service organizations in Santa Cruz County. He served for over 50 years on the Salvation Army Board and over 25 years as a member of the board of directors for the local California Grey Bears. He helped to incorporate the Santa Cruz Recycling Alliance Program, (SCRAP), a Grey Bear spin-off, in 1990, and served as the chair of that organization for many years. Bob also served his local community and schools as a member of the Santa Cruz Redevelopment Agency, County Civil Service Commission, PTA, Harbor School Site Council, Rotary, UC Affiliates, and as President and Board member of the DeLaveaga Golf Course Men's Club. Bob achieved two "holes in one" in his lifetime of playing golf, but his truly important "hole in one" occurred on July 4, 1976 - the bicentennial of the United States - when the Santa Cruz Town Clock was dedicated at the foot of Pacific Avenue. He chaired the committee that conceptualized, fund raised, implemented and built the Santa Cruz Town Clock. Citizens of Santa Cruz should take note that the time capsule in the Town Clock should be opened on July 4, 2076. Bob and his wife, Betsy traveled throughout the world in their lifetime traveling through much of Europe and on many cruises. He particularly enjoyed a golfing vacation he took with his son to Scotland where they played 14 golf courses in 13 days. In the Santa Cruz area, he was active in supporting the arts. He especially enjoyed being a season subscriber to the San Francisco Symphony for over 10 years and enjoyed local performances at the Cabrillo Summer Stage and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. He was also a member of the Star of the Sea Church for over 50 years. Bob is now reconciling his handicap with the great scorekeeper of life. Bob is survived by his children, Rob, Marty, Andy, Steve, Christy (Mills), their spouses and seven grandchildren, Brittany, Monica, Scott, Katy, Gracie, Jeremy and Hannah. He is also survived by his brother, Kermit Darrow. Every golfer knows that his next round of golf will be his best. Bob has been the trustee for the Graham-Fancher Scholarship fund for high school graduates in Santa Cruz for more than a decade. His wife, Betsy, equally promoted the importance of a college education through her many community involvements. In order to carry on their parents commitment to education, the family has established the Darrow Educational Endowment Scholarship for college scholarships for Santa Cruz students. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Darrow Educational Endowment Scholarship c/o Christy Darrow Mills, 15559 Union Ave. Box #219, Los Gatos, Ca. 95032. Further inquiries regarding this scholarship fund may be made to the above address or via email to robdarrow@aol.com. A Celebration of the Life of Bob Darrow will be on Monday, August 16 at 11am at Star of the Sea Church, 515 Fredrick Ave in Santa Cruz. Following the services will be a luncheon in the church hall. Private internment will be at the Santa Cruz Memorial Gardens.