Robert Stephen Bourgette

With deep love, we remember Robert Stephen Bourgette, affectionately known to family and friends as Bob, Dad, Papa, Coach B, and Uncle Bob, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 11, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born in Seattle on November 9, 1948, Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret of 55 years; his children, Bridget, Angela, and Bobby; his grandchildren, Diondra, Lorenzo, Elijah, Peyton, Carlin, Naomi, and Ricky; his great-grandchild, Tripp; his siblings, Roberta Leigh and Steve Bourgette, and over 60 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean, and his brothers, Jim and Rick.

Athletics were a lifelong passion for Bob. Growing up, he played football, baseball, and basketball, ultimately earning a dual scholarship in football and baseball to Spokane Community College. While he may not always have been the biggest or most naturally gifted athlete on the field, he made up for it with determination, grit, and an enormous heart. He continued his collegiate football career as a fierce guard at Central Washington University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant. It was also during these years that he married Margaret, the one and only love of his life, before they returned to the Seattle area to build their life together.

Bob began his teaching career at John F. Kennedy High School in 1972, where he would spend his entire professional life until his retirement in 2016, leaving an extraordinary legacy spanning 44 years. Over the years, he served as a physical education teacher, counselor, athletic director, and coach of football, wrestling, baseball, and girls’ softball.

His football coaching career began alongside his beloved mentor, former Blanchet High School coach Tom Merrill. Their unique partnership helped build the foundation for the long-term success of the Kennedy football program. After 22 years as an assistant, Bob became Kennedy’s head football coach, where, together with his fellow coaches and generations of student-athletes, he helped build a program defined by dedication, teamwork, and character. With more than 201 career coaching victories, he earned numerous honors recognizing his contributions, most notably induction into the Pacific Northwest Hall of Fame and Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame.

Yet Bob’s greatest legacy was never measured simply in wins, awards, or championships. It was found in the countless lives he touched. With his enormous heart, unmistakable sense of humor, and genuine ability to connect with people, Bob cared deeply about the development of all students at Kennedy, whether they were athletes or not. He believed in young people, encouraged them to be their best, and understood that the lessons learned through sports extended far beyond the playing field.

Above all, Bob loved his family. Some of his happiest moments were spent together on Vashon Island, in Cabo, or enjoying long summer days around his swimming pool, where the water was never allowed to dip below 87 degrees. He was a devoted father and grandfather who showed up for everything, whether a dance recital, science fair, sporting event, or any other milestone in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

Even after retirement, Bob’s love of coaching never faded. He continued volunteering alongside his son, Bobby, and had the special joy of helping coach his oldest grandsons.

Bob also loved his music, particularly Oldies but Goodies and Motown, which he played on repeat from his extensive collection. And if you were lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of his unforgettable dance moves.

Throughout his life, Bob was committed to faith and family. He led by example, teaching his family, players and students the importance of being a “man of your word,” doing the right thing, and living by the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”

Even as his health declined, Bob never lost his quick wit, his sense of humor, or his devotion to those he loved. His family is deeply grateful to everyone who showed him kindness, compassion, and love throughout his illness, especially his dedicated caregivers.

Bob’s love and legacy will live on through his family, the generations of students and athletes he mentored, and the many lives made better simply by knowing him.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on November 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9622 20th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106. A reception will follow at Holy Family.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or a youth scholarship/program of your choice.

Share your condolences and memories of Bob with friends and family on his guestbook below.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -