| Graduation Year | Class of 1950 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 25, 2025 |
| About | Robert “Bob” Ihsen (1932–2025) Educator • Historian • Community Leader Robert “Bob” Ihsen was a lifelong Covina resident whose devotion to education, local history, and community service left an enduring mark on the Covina Valley. Born in Covina, California in 1932, Bob graduated from Covina High School in 1950. He went on to attend Pomona College, where his passion for history and learning took root. After beginning his teaching career in East Los Angeles, Bob returned home in the fall of 1965 to join the faculty at Covina High School, his alma mater. For more than three decades, Bob taught American and European history, inspiring generations of students with his depth of knowledge, global perspective, and genuine enthusiasm for the past. He retired in 1998, having become a legendary presence on campus. His dedication was reflected in a remarkable 27 consecutive years without missing a single day of work. In recognition of his impact, Bob was inducted into the Covina High School Hall of Fame and became widely known as “Mr. Covina.” Bob’s love of history extended far beyond the classroom. An accomplished world traveler, he visited an extraordinary 191 different countries during his lifetime. He also loved his country, visiting nearly all of the 433 National Park Units. He delighted in sharing his experiences through slide presentations, which he presented to students, community groups, and civic organizations, bringing world history vividly to life. A pillar of the Covina Valley Historical Society, Bob served for many years on its Board of Directors, including an extended and influential tenure as President. In that role, he guided the Society with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a deep commitment to preserving and sharing Covina’s heritage. Even after stepping down as president in 2024, Bob remained actively involved and supportive of the Society’s mission. To the public, Bob was often the face of the Historical Society. He faithfully represented the organization at community events and programs, always eager to share stories and welcome others into Covina’s history. He also volunteered countless hours as a docent, regularly greeting visitors at both the Firehouse–Jail Museum and the Heritage House at Covina Park, where his knowledge, warmth, and storytelling brought the past vividly into the present. Bob Ihsen believed deeply that understanding local history strengthens community identity. His lifelong service as a teacher, historian, traveler, and civic leader reflected that belief in action. The Covina Valley Historical Society is profoundly grateful for his leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication. His legacy lives on in the institutions he helped sustain, the histories he preserved, and the countless lives he touched in Covina and beyond. |
