Robert Lee Barrow: A Life Dedicated to Teaching

Robert Lee Barrow, affectionately known as Bob, passed away peacefully at his home on January 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years old. Born on March 6, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Lee G. and Nila Ree Jacobs Barrow, Bob was the eldest of three sons and a lifelong mentor

A 1960 graduate of Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, California, Bob excelled in football, playing in the CIF State Championship Game with his "Cinderella" team. His athletic talent earned him a football scholarship to Brigham Young University (BYU). During his high school years, he also developed a passion for music, often playing guitar with friends, including Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and Gary Winfrey, some of whom would later form The Beach Boys. He even performed with Brian Wilson at a school assembly, playing Carl Wilson's electric guitar.

Bob's journey led him from the beaches of California to the mountains of Utah, where he pursued his academic and athletic endeavors at BYU. From 1960 to 1965, he was an undergraduate student, playing guard for the BYU football team until an injury in his senior year. While in graduate school from 1965 to 1967, he was a graduate assistant, teaching freshman English and helping to coach freshman football. During his senior year, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remaining a faithful member throughout his life. It was at BYU that he met Margaret Ann Ayres, the love of his life. They married on November 25, 1967, and settled in Torrance, California.

Bob's career was marked by a diverse range of accomplishments, always with a focus on teaching and coaching. He taught English and coached football at Rolling Hills High School. While in Torrance, he pursued martial arts, earning a Black Belt under Chuck Norris in 1970 and serving as head instructor at Chuck's Torrance studio. He was a three-time Western States Middleweight Champion, Northwest Grand Champion, National Black Belt Grand Championship bronze medalist, lead scorer on Chuck Norris' National Championship Black Belt team, and 3rd in the World Pro Am Black Belt Championship. He was rated number 2 in the Northwest by Professional Karate Magazine and number 1 by traditional Tae Kwon Do Magazine. He was not only a champion martial artist but a dedicated instructor, shaping the lives of his students.

Building upon his dedication to teaching, in 1971, Bob began teaching English at Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, Oregon, and created a karate extension class with Mount Hood Community College. He also appeared in the film "Breaker, Breaker" and was appointed to the United Fighting Artists Federation Board of Directors, where he continued to guide and influence others. In 1974, he moved to Central Point, Oregon, teaching at Crater High School for a year. In 1975, he transitioned to teaching karate full-time and established the Bob Barrow Karate/Champion Sport Center in Medford, Oregon, where Chuck Norris made frequent visits. He trained Black Belt, Chip Wright, who later took over the school and became highly regarded in the karate world. Bob appeared on the December 1974 cover of Black Belt magazine and in the Chuck Norris films "A Force of One" (1979) and "Eye for an Eye" (1981).

After opening karate schools in Utah and Nevada, in 1987, he moved to Irvine, California, and returned to teaching secondary education with an emphasis in English as a second language.

In 1991, Bob moved to Carlsbad, California, where he taught English as a second language, History, and Speech and Debate at San Marcos High School from 1991 to 1999, receiving recognition in Who's Who Among America's Teachers. While also teaching high school, Bob began attending Thomas Jefferson Law School in San Diego from 1995 to 1999, earning an academic scholarship for being in the top 1% of his class. He served as executive editor of the Law Review, received three American Jurisprudence Awards, published two Law Review articles, and received special references from the California Court of Appeals. He graduated Cum Laude in 1999.

In 2000, Bob moved to Walnut Creek, California, joining Paul and Hanley Law Firm, specializing in asbestos litigation for victims dying of mesothelioma. Even in his legal career, he acted as a guide and mentor, conducting deposition training seminars and achieving numerous multi-million dollar settlements for his clients, serving as an advisor to the settling partner. His work as a lawyer provided families with guidance and support during extremely difficult times.

In 2017, Bob and Margaret retired to Central Point, Oregon, due to the progression of Bob's Parkinson's Disease.

Known for his unwavering dedication to guiding and instructing others, Bob approached every aspect of his life as an opportunity to teach, coach, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. His dedication to others, on the field, in the classroom, the dojo, or in the legal profession, left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Bob and Margaret shared a life filled with love and laughter, raising eight children: Alissa Barrow of Medford, OR; Heather Barrow of Los Angeles, CA; Erin (Harry) Matheu of Pasadena, CA; Hilary (Piers) Brown of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; Joshua Barrow of Reno, NV; Jared Barrow of Medford, OR; Justin Barrow of Portland, OR; and Brittany (Erin) Dunn of Vista, CA. They were blessed with five grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his brothers, Rick Barrow of Abilene, TX, and Rohn (Aiste) Barrow of Madera, CA.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 2305 Taylor Road, Central Point, Oregon, followed by a reception.