Robert “Bob” Steven Cowham, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly while undergoing heart surgery on November 20, 2025. He was 76 years old. Born in Newport, Rhode Island on April 4, 1949, Bob later made Albuquerque his lifelong home after his family settled here when his father was stationed in New Mexico through the Navy. The high desert and its people became woven into the fabric of who he was.

After graduating from Idaho State University with a degree in psychology, Bob was drafted to the Vietnam War and proudly served in the United States Navy. He worked in computer sales and later at the TSA, where his gentle humor and kind nature touched many.

A lover of all things sports, Bob found joy in cheering for his Colorado Rockies and faithfully supporting his Lobos. He was deeply passionate about baseball, fishing, and hunting, and often found peace in the quiet of the outdoors. In his later years, he loved going to the casino—playing the slots with an easy grin and striking up conversations with anyone and everyone around him.

Above all, Bob was a devoted father. His daughter, Kelly, was the center of his world—the person he cherished most. Their bond was full of warmth, humor, and a special tenderness. Since she was a little girl, Kelly had her own way of saying “I love you” to her dad: Zabo. And it remained their shared word of love throughout his life—simple, sweet, and theirs alone.

Bob was endlessly generous, endlessly kind. He gave freely to friends, family, and even to people he barely knew. It was rare to ever see him angry; instead, he met life with optimism, patience, and a gentle heart that made others feel safe and welcomed. He saw the good in everyone and always looked at life with a half-full glass. A true jokester, he could lighten any moment with a playful remark or a warm grin.

His family treasures memories of their trip to Hawaii years ago, their houseboat adventure on Navajo Lake, and peaceful days spent together at the cabin in Canjilon, NM. These moments, filled with laughter, stories, and love, live on as some of their most cherished times.

Bob leaves behind his dear daughter, Kelly Cowham, and her cherished partner, Matthew Smailer; his step-son Christian Mathias; granddaughters Gabriella and Marissa Mathias; his sister Nancy and her husband, Dennis Armijo; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Victoria “Vicky” Tapia; his parents Joseph and Ruth Cowham; and his brother Bud Cowham.

Those who knew Bob will remember him as a man who believed in the goodness of people, who showed kindness freely, and who brought humor and warmth everywhere he went. His love, optimism, and gentle spirit remain in every heart he touched.

Bob made life brighter—one smile, one story, one “Zabo” at a time. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12pm on Friday Dec 19, 2025, at The Riverside Funeral Home Chapel located at 225 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either of these to help the family with unexpected expenses: GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/8a89227c7

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