Dr. Robert “Bob” Mounce, President Emeritus of Whitworth University, passed away in Seattle, Washington on January 24th, 2019 surrounded by family. Born in 1921 in LaSalle, Illinois, he grew up in Minot, North Dakota. He earned a BA in music from the University of Washington in 1943. During the Second World War, he served the nation as a dive bomber pilot in the Naval Air Corps (1943-1946). After the war, he taught public school and served as a missionary in Guatemala where he was the director of the Christian radio station TGNA. He married Jean McTavish in 1952 and over the years, the two became loving parents for five children. He earned a ThM in New Testament from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1956, and in 1958, a PhD in Biblical Criticism from the University of Aberdeen, Scottland.

Dr. Mounce was Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biblical Studies at Bethel College and Seminary from 1958-1967. He then moved to Western Kentucky University where he served as Professor of Religious Studies (1967-1970) and Academic Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities (1970-1980). He then moved to Spokane to begin a term as President of Whitworth College, serving from 1981 to 1987. Throughout his career as a theologian and scholar, Dr. Mounce was a remarkably prolific writer. Publishing more than 25 books, including many highly-regarded New Testament commentaries. One of his most notable and enduring contributions to the community of Christian scholars was his long and faithful service on the translation committees for the following Bible translations: New International Version, New International Readers Version, New Living Translation, English Standard Version, and Revised Authorized Version. Few biblical scholars have had a greater impact on the way millions of people read and understand the recorded word of God.

Following his tour as President of Whitworth College, Dr. Mounce served as the Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, Walnut Creek, California. In 1991, he retired to a busy life of speaking and writing. After the death of Jean, his beloved wife of 60 years, he married Rachel Johnson, enjoying his final seven years with her in Anacortes, Washington where he focused on bringing the Bible to life in practical and devotional books and blogs for a wide following of readers, and also devoted time to composing new piano music and zipping around town in a sporty silver convertible.

Robert Mounce will be remembered as a beloved educator, stalwart institutional leader, tireless scholar, prolific writer, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents George Douglas and Edna Florence Kays, and his brother George. He is survived by his wife Rachel, daughter Terri (Terry) Gundlach, sons Mike (Nancy) Burtuleit, Bill (Robin) Mounce, Dave (Gini) Mounce, and Doug (Lili) Mounce, twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. There will be a gathering for friends and family in Scholls Ferry, Oregon.