Austin Senior Golf Association
Robert Lee (Bob) Ogden died at home Tuesday, April 15 at the age of 82. Mr. Ogden was born in Lewiston, New York, on May 23, 1925. He attended the Red Brick School in Lewistown, NY. He left high school to join the Air Force during World War II. He attended Niagara University and graduated from UT Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He worked as an engineer for the City of Austin before opening his own engineering business. He was instrumental in aligning the telescope mount at the McDonald's Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, for the first lunar landing. He lived in Austin for over 50 years. He met his wife Mary Jean DeLoney while working his way through school and managing the Old New Orleans Club, now a part of Symphony Square. Mr. Ogden was a successful businessman, entrepreneur and real estate investor. He was influential in the restaurant and bar landscape of Austin. He founded several restaurants and bars, including El Arroyo and Donn's Depot, Club Islas, the first salsa bar in Austin. He was instrumental in many others. He was an avid golfer. He once held the course record at the Niagara Falls Golf and Country Club by shooting a 60. He was Balcones Club Champion in 1966 and Austin Senior Golf Association champion in 1994. He was a self-taught fluent Spanish speaker and musician. He was one of the founding members of St. Francis Episcopal Church at 1408 West 9th Street in 1990, where he was Senior Warden for several years. He and his wife Mary purchased the properties on which the Church stands and later donated the church property to its members. He was a Renaissance Man and never stopped trying to enjoy life, even while fighting a losing battle with lung cancer. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was respected and admired by many.
According to L. E. Clarke, Mr. Ogden joined ASGA in 1987 and remained a member through 2001. ASGA offers sincere condolences to Mr. Ogden's family and friends.