Bob Goldwater (96) known as the “Father of the Phoenix Open’’ 
and a member of one of Arizona’s most influential Republican families. 
Goldwater was the brother of the late Barry Goldwater, five-time US senator from Arizona. 
An avid golfer, Bob Goldwater was credited with making the Phoenix area a major golf destination. 
He also helped to start Frontier Airlines and was president of Goldwater’s department stores for years. 
He died in Phoenix, Arizona on November 4, 2006.
-http://www.lifeinlegacy.com/display.php?weekof=2006-11-03
(12/15/06)

Bob Goldwater, ‘father of Phoenix Open’
November 05, 2006  
Phoenix (AP) -- Bob Goldwater, known as the “father of the Phoenix Open” and a member 
of one of Arizona’s most influential Republican families, died Saturday at home, said his son, Don. 
He was 96.
Goldwater is the brother of the late Barry Goldwater, the five-time U.S. senator from Arizona. 
His son, Don Goldwater, lost his bid for the Republican nomination for governor in September.
Bob Goldwater, an avid golfer, is credited with making the Phoenix area a major golf destination. 
He was a former “big chief ” of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, 
the civic organization that runs the FBR Open, formerly the Phoenix Open. 
He also was past chairman of the board for the Phoenix Country Club.
Goldwater also helped start Frontier Airlines 
and served as president of Goldwater’s department stores for years, his son said.
-http://obits.eons.com/national/feature/national_sports/8693
(12/15/06)

Goldwater brother Bob dies; led Open
Among survivors, ex-candidate Don
Brent Whiting and Senta Scarborough
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 5, 2006 12:00 AM

Bob Goldwater, a Valley businessman known as the "Father of the Phoenix Open" and the younger brother 
of an Arizona political titan, died Saturday morning at his Phoenix home, 
surrounded by family and friends, his son said.

Goldwater, 96, died of natural causes, said Don Goldwater, 
who lost his bid for the Republican nomination for governor in the September primary.

"He passed the way he lived - full of life," Goldwater told The Arizona Republic.	

Bob Goldwater, a member of one of the state's most influential Republican families, 
was the brother of the late Barry Goldwater, the five-time U.S. senator from Arizona 
and 1964 presidential candidate who died May 29, 1998, at his Paradise Valley home.

Bob Goldwater died at 10:05 a.m. in bed in his living room, 
looking out to the Phoenix Country Club golf course while his wife, Maggie, was by his side, Don Goldwater said.

"He was a great father with a phenomenal sense of humor," Goldwater said.

Scottsdale resident Judy Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater's former chief of staff, 
described Bob Goldwater as a bright and very likable man, a fantastic golfer and terrific person.

"Barry would always say, 'You're smarter than me,' " Eisenhower said. 
"They loved each other very much. They were great friends."

Eisenhower also said Bob Goldwater had a great sense of humor and got along well with other people.

"I never saw him get upset about anything," she said. 
"I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. 
He could always find a solution to every problem without having to chew somebody out."

Sam Mardian Jr., Phoenix mayor from 1960 to 1964, said Bob Goldwater did nothing but good for Arizona.

"Unquestionably, he was an outstanding citizen and a great human being," Mardian said. 
"He was dedicated to improving the community, the environment, the political atmosphere. 
He was a positive person and a great family man. We're going to miss him."

Robert W. Goldwater Sr. was born July 4, 1910, 
the son of territorial pioneer merchant parents Baron and Josephine Williams Goldwater.

He spent his childhood at the side of Barry, who was born Jan. 1, 1909. 
They were toddlers when Arizona achieved statehood on Feb. 14, 1912.

After graduating from Phoenix Union High School, Bob Goldwater attended Stanford University, 
where he attained a business degree at age 20.

From 1931 to 1966, he worked in the family business, Goldwater's department store, 
and served 53 years as a board member of Valley National Bank, ending in 1985.

He also helped start Frontier Airlines, Don Goldwater said.

Bob Goldwater, an avid golfer who was introduced to the game by his mother when he was 9, 
also is credited with making the Valley the golf mecca that it is today.

When he was 16, he won both the Arizona state and Southwest golf championships.

But he's probably best known for efforts since 1931 in promoting the Phoenix Open, now known as the FBR Open.

Goldwater, a former board chairman of the Phoenix Country Club, 
was a past big chief of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, the civic organization that runs the popular annual golf event.

Through his hard work, the open quickly gained a reputation for attracting celebrities. 
The first to come was Bing Crosby. Next was Bob Hope, then Phil Harris.

Mike Haenel, the current Thunderbirds big chief, said that throughout the years, 
the tournament has raised more than $43 million for charity, due to Goldwater's vision and incredible work ethic.

"We've lost a legend, a friend, a mentor and a great guy," Haenel said.

Marshall Trimble, an Arizona historian, said golf has been credited with much of the growth of tourism in the Valley.

And much of the credit is due to Goldwater's tireless efforts, Trimble said.

"Bob had a great sense of humor and was always good for a story," Trimble once recalled.

Goldwater would relate a story about a time when there were rules 
prohibiting Jews from playing at one local country club, Trimble said.

Even though Bob and Barry Goldwater were raised in their mother's Christian faith, their last name was Goldwater.

"So when they were told they were not allowed on the golf course, 
both pointed out that since they were only half Jewish and could they play nine holes," Trimble said.

Bob Goldwater was a longtime supporter of the Arizona Historical Foundation, 
a group based at Arizona State University that was founded by Barry Goldwater in 1959.

Paradise Valley businessman Gary Driggs said Goldwater was a very witty man.

"We have lost not only a great man and great community leader, but probably the best wit in Arizona," Driggs said.

"He got a lot of things done, and he always did it with great fun and good humor."

Don Goldwater said that his father will be cremated 
and that the family plans to hold memorial services at Trinity Cathedral near downtown Phoenix. 
Arrangements are pending.

Bob Goldwater also is survived by three other children, 
Bob Goldwater Jr., Sally Goldwater and Lynn McGowan; and nine grandchildren.

-ARIZONA REPUBLIC on Nov 5, 2006