by Kelsey Penrose
This story is featured in the official Nevada Day Program, which can be found for free along the parade route this Saturday. Grab your copy for the parade line up, information about events, stories, and more!
Carson City Mayor, attorney and United States Navy Veteran Robert “Bob” Lamson Crowell passed away on Sept. 12, 2020 at the age of 74.
Mayor Bob was a true native Nevadan, born in the mining town of Tonopah in 1945 to William J. Crowell Sr. and Harriet L. Crowell. In 1955, Bob moved to Carson City with his parents and older brother Bill, and served as student body president at Carson High School, his alma mater.
Bob then went on to earn a bachelors in economics from Stanford University in 1967, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Hastings College of the Law in 1973.
Bob was admitted to the State bar of Nevada that same year, and joined the law firm founded by his father and began to practice law along with his older brother Bill.
Bob also practiced as a lobbyist in addition to a lawyer, focusing on government relations and legislative affairs, administrative and regulatory matters, and ethics in government, as well as election and initiative petition law.
He was chosen by fellow lobbyists to be included in the Nevada Lobbyist Hall of Fame, and also received the State Bar of Nevada Presidential Award which recognizes a member who shows exemplary honesty and integrity, and represents the highest standards within the legal profession.
Bob was a proud Navy veteran, and graduated from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Bob served in the United States Navy from 1967 through 1990, which included a tour in Vietnam as an officer from 1967-1970. He retired from the Navy Reserve in 1990 with the rank of Captain.
Bob began his career in politics by serving on the Carson City School Board of Trustees for 11 years, including serving twice as School Board President.
Bob then became Mayor Bob in 2009, and was re-elected both in 2012 and 2016.
Bob was resoundly beloved by the residents of Carson City, who remember his integrity, his dedication to community, and his humble, friendly demeanor.
Mayor Bob and his wife Susan celebrated 49 years of marriage, and together had four children: Caroline, Bradley, David and Todd.
Nevada State Governor Steve Sisolak honored Mayor Bob with a lowering of the flags following his passing, stating: “Today, we will lower the flags and give our esteemed recognition to such a wonderful man that dedicated his life to the betterment of both the State and this nation. As I’ve said before, and to put it simply, Nevada is better because of Bob. His dedication to the State was unparalleled. Thus, it is my pleasure to honor this respected serviceman and community leader with this gesture. The First Lady and I once again extend our condolences to his wife Susan, their four children, his friends, and those in the communities he served, as we all honor him today.”
Gov. Sisolak also issued a proclamation in honor of Mayor Bob, naming Oct. 29, 2020 a day of honor in memory of his passing.
Mayor Bob was always a huge advocate for Carson City’s open space projects, and was honored with Bob’s Trail, a connecting trail linking Ash Canyon Road to the “4 Day” mountain bike trail, as well as the 206 acres of open space acquired by Carson City in 2019.
Mayor Bob is also remembered by the Robert “Bob” Crowell Multi-Purpose Athletic Center (MAC), as well as the Robert “Bob” Crowell Board Room within the Carson City Community Center, previously known as the Sierra Room.
Mayor Bob was a true Nevadan, a lover of Nevada Day and its celebrations, and is sorely missed by his community.
Visit the Nevada Day website here for information about this week’s activities, events and more.
