Robert James Coulter

Robert J. Coulter February 9, 1947- May 8, 2019 Robert (Bob) passed away May 8th in Glendora, CA. Bob was born to Jack and Virginia (Makowski) Coulter. He grew up with his older brother, Paul and younger sister, Ginger. Bob unfortunately lost his father, Jack, at the age of 10 to heart failure and along with his siblings helped to support their mother. At the age of 11, Bob was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a disease he would manage his entire life. He attended Monrovia High School and graduated in 1965. Growing up, Bob was an avid artist and it was a talent he kept to himself. He later attended Cal State University, Los Angeles, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1975. Bob developed a love for teaching early on. He taught middle school and high school history at Rio Hondo Preparatory School from 1975 to 1995. He continued his passion for teaching as he worked with and taught skills to older adults and adults with disabilities in assisted living facilities in El Monte and Rosemead. Bob soon found how much he enjoyed teaching grammar and English to ESL students and continued this work at Citrus College until his passing. His quick wit, sense of humor, and passion for teaching were what made him such a powerful, effective teacher and a favorite among students. As a young high school student, Bob began volunteering as a youth sports coach at Kare Youth League. He instilled strong values such as teamwork, honesty, faith in God, and hard work to help the children he worked with build character. His love of sports grew as he continued to coach youth well into his adult life. Bob loved coaching and soccer was the sport he loved most to coach. This love lead him to help create, develop and coach the first high school soccer program at Rio Hondo Preparatory School. He continued coaching soccer at Rio Hondo Prep for 16 years and was a coach in various capacities for more than 50 years. In 1978, he married Susan Coulter and together they began a family. Bob’s family was everything to him and he worked selflessly and tirelessly to provide the best life for his wife and children. Bob and his family spent many summers on road trips camping in Yosemite, Sequoia, and many other National Parks. Bob is survived by his wife, Susan; brother Paul and sister Ginger; children Josh, Chris, Megan and Kurt; and grandchildren Jaxson, Teegan, Kayla, Katie, Chloe and Capri. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 19th at 11:30 A.M. at Rio Hondo Prep (5150 Farna Ave, Arcadia) in Stivers Center following the 10:00 A.M. Youth Church Service. In lieu of flowers, donations can mailed to Rio Hondo Prep c/o Rio Hondo Prep High School Soccer Program.