Birth date: Jan 12, 1943 Death date: Jul 3, 2020
Richardson – Robert “Bob” Thomas Groves, 77, a retired architect, died on Friday, July 3, 2020, peacefully in his sleep, in his favorite chair at home. Bob Groves was born January 12, 1943, in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Vannie D Read Obituary
Once upon a time there was a group of couples who met through college, work, common interests in outdoor activities. I had the privilege of being one of the first born in this pod of couples, so I knew Bob my whole life. Bob and my current Dad, Dan were 2 of my original Dad’s dearest friends. Life was simple: New Years’ Eve at Pam and Mike’s, and then July 4th at Betty & Phil’s; the mainstays of this crew being Scott &Mo, Pam & Mike, Dan & D.D. and Bob & Linda. Over the years we melded into one big extended, fun family. There were some changes over the years in this pod, but that’s another story. Some of my favorite memories growing up were just sitting around listening to these couples share stories; there was always so much laughter. Bob had a great laugh. We had inside jokes about eggplants and onions, and stories about green pajamas, 10 cent ice cream cones, and sinking speedboats. My parents, Jamie and I were so happy when the Groves moved from Arlington to Richardson, just a few minutes down the road. I was often put in charge of my sister Jamie, and our “other” siblings Vanna, Jeff and Cody when the adults wanted a night out. When the grownups returned, there was often some hilarious misadventure I could recount for them. In the fall and winters we spent countless Friday or Saturday nights together “doing nothing.” In the summers those weekends were spend in our backyard pool.
With Bob, I had one of my biggest adventures and lived through one of my greatest tragedies. The adventure was the trip to Hawaii when I was 14. We were on Maui and had driven the Hana Road and stopped at the Seven Sacred Pools. Bob decided to climb up to the top of a small cliff and jump into the pool. I debated about whether or not I could do it too and he encouraged me to try. He climbed up with me and let me go first. I stood on the edge, being cheered on by him behind me and Linda and my Mom and Dad down below. Finally he told me I should really try to go because the bugs were starting to bite. So I finally jumped, screaming the whole way down. My Mom got this recorded on an old fashioned movie camera and every time we pulled those films out, Bob was sure to remind me that we needed to do the sound effects and I plunged toward the water. It was on that same trip that Bob taught me another great life lesson: always make sure you have enough gas in the car. Less than three years later, when my original Dad Phillip became ill, it was Bob who was at my house waiting for me to come home from a gymnastics meet, very late on a Sunday night. He was the one who had to tell me that my Dad would not live through the night and seeing him express his grief and pain over losing one of his best friends helped me to release mine over losing a parent. He could have just told me to come stay at his house until it was all over and my Mom could leave the hospital; instead he let me choose to go and, and he drove me to back to the hospital so I could be there to tell my Dad goodbye. I think he and I both carried that moment with us for many more years. In the years following my original Dad’s passing, Bob often helped my Mom with things around the house and our families continued to gather at various times of the year. We haven’t been able to all gather as much as we had when Jamie, Vanna, Jeff, Cody and I were growing up, but we know that when something comes up we will have each other to turn to. Bob taught us that.
We offer our deepest sympathy to Linda and family over the loss of Bob. He was one of the really good guys. I first knew Bob from the early 70s during the Dallas Community College construction programs. Late he worked at our firm, JPJ Architects. He always had a big grin for you and was a delight to be around at work. Although it has been years since we worked together, I have always remembered the times that I shared with Bob at JPJ.
Weldon and Mary Nash
Linda and family: We are so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. While it has been a long time since the days of JPJ, Bob has always been in our thoughts. I have many memories of working with Bob and thinking of the JPJ summer parties where the kids got to know each other. This was especially true since our daughter Kim formed a long time friendship with Vanna. I hope you may find some comfort in knowing that our warm thoughts and sympathy are with you and the entire family at this time.
Walt and Kathy Viney
I always remember Uncle Bob as my fun uncle and always being so happy and his laugh. I will miss him.
Here's a bunch of us old friends. Sorry I don't have the date.
I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My condolences to Linda and the kids. For nearly 40 years, I spent Thursday nights at the bowling alley with Bob. When we were both working downtown, we would often venture out to Snuffers or Bakers Ribs for lunches and a break from the workday. Thursday night bowling just won't be the same. I will miss him.
