Robert Joseph Conibear, 97, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025. Born on August 1, 1927, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, he was the beloved son of the late George and Mary (Smith) Conibear.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Judy Conibear (Baird); his children Connie Warley (Lance), Patrick Murphy (Jacqueline), and Daniel Murphy (Jacquie); and his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Drossner, Jason Warley, Gavin Conibear, Gretchen Conibear, Gwyneth Conibear, Amanda Horen, Rachel Murphy, Katelyn Murphy, and Alexandra Murphy; and great-grandchildren Emma, Ben, and Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Maxine Conibear, and son, Michael Conibear.
A true Renaissance man, Robert lived a life marked by passion, purpose, and a deep love for people. As a young child, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he quickly developed a strong work ethic and love for nature. Summers were spent in Chatham at his grandparents’ nursery, gardening and delivering fresh flowers to the local merchants—a practice that instilled a lifelong appreciation for beauty and discipline in him. His love for horses made him a skilled trick rider and showman in his youth.
Robert’s athletic journey began at Southeastern High School in Detroit, where he played on a state championship basketball team. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the elite Mountain and Ski Infantry during World War II. After his service, he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Wayne State University, lettering four times as a varsity basketball player during his collegiate career.
His professional path was one of inspiration and impact. He taught and coached at multiple levels, leaving a profound mark on students and athletes alike. At Northeastern High School in Detroit, he led the basketball team to an extraordinary 117-29 record, winning four league championships, two city titles, and a district title. He also coached cross country, track, and swimming—each with the same dedication and heart.
Robert spent nearly a decade as Camp Director at Camp Algonquin, where summers were filled with mentorship, nature, and family. He was also a proud member of the 1952 AAU basketball team, which included standout players from Wayne State, the University of Detroit, and the University of Michigan. This team won two state championships and advanced to the finals for the regional title.
In 1964, the legendary Harold Anderson recruited him to join Bowling Green State University as an assistant men’s basketball coach, eventually stepping into the head coach role. After coaching, he continued teaching in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) department, where he pioneered outdoor experiential courses in white-water rafting and skiing that impacted thousands of students.
Even after retiring in 1995, Robert’s energy and zest for life never waned. He managed family rental properties, remained an active figure in the BGSU community, cultivated his garden with Judy, and found immense joy traveling and attending his grandchildren’s events. He was a dedicated Falcon fan and attended BGSU men’s and women’s basketball games faithfully for decades.
Robert Conibear was a man of wide-ranging talents—an athlete, educator, coach, gardener, adventurer, animal lover, and mentor. He was curious, kind, fiercely loyal, and had a mischievous charm that endeared him to everyone he met. To know him was to be inspired by him.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on June 11, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. A Memorial Service will take place on June 12, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at First Christian Church, 875 Haskins Road Bowling Green, OH 43402 with lunch to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy to honor Robert’s lifelong love for animals and nature.
To share condolences or memories, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
