THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Sunday, April 7, 2019



Robert John Fowler was born in Belize City, Belize, on October 20, 1931. He entered into eternal rest on April 4, 2019. He was raised in the Catholic faith where he was an altar boy.

He attended private schools including St. Johns College in Belize and later pursued a career in welding. He traveled to Montreal, Canada, later returning to Belize. Robert worked for the government and later opened his own welding shop. After a devastating hurricane that hit Belize in the early 60's, Robert immigrated to Toronto, Canada and was employed by Massey Ferguson, where he lived for two years. He later moved to Rochester, N. Y. and worked for General Dynamics and Eastman Kodak for twenty-eight years.

The Fowlers retired in 1994 and moved to Palm Coast, FL. Robert can be characterized as a jovial and a fun-loving prankster. He loved dancing, cruising, volunteering in all capacities including Red Cross, COP, mentoring in the local schools and other community activities. Robert attended St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Palm Coast where he participated in ECM and Brotherhood of St. Andrews. In Rochester NY, he was as a Eucharistic minister. Socially, Robert loved jazz, Caribbean and Spanish music, playing the piano, doing the electric slide and entertaining at home. He was a devoted family man. He loved his God and he loved his family.

In 1957 he met his wife Laurine Geban, a nursing student in Belize. Later they were married, and from this union, their daughter Nikita, whose nickname was Button" was born.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Laurine, daughters Diana, Barbara, Amalia, son Robert and adopted son Joseph Labarbera, cousins, Glen Avilez, David Anderson, and two nieces, Saida and Nikita Espat. Robert is predeceased by his parents Arthur and Amalia, his sister Helen Espat and his daughter Nikita 'Button" Fowler. Robert was truly a loyal friend to many, especially Laurine's family and Joe who loved him dearly. May he sleep in the arms of Jesus, and may he rest in peace.

You never said I'm leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before I knew it, and only God knew why. A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly; in death I love you still; In my heart you hold a place that no one could ever fill It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone. I'll miss your harmonica serenades, on very stormy nights. The music calmed my nerves until I had fallen asleep. For you are a child of God, and God loves you best. For part of me went with you, the day God took you home. Goodbye, my love. Bobby-Papito", I love you very much. Say hello to Niki-Button".

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the chapel of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 11:00 AM in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast. Interment will follow in Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, please send donations to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32137.

Arrangement are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.