Bob V. Stover

Bob V. Stover lost his courageous battle with lung cancer on September 24, 2015. He died peacefully at home. Bob was born on January 25, 1936 in Taos, NM. His family moved to Albuquerque at the end of WWII. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1954 and later received a degree in Criminology from the University of Albuquerque.

He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 37 years Lola Jean Vermillion; his dad Eugene Stover; his mother Dorothy and step father Obid Morris; his brother Kenneth; his sisters Emogene Hancock and Denise Silva.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years Linda Olmsted Stover; his brother Delmon Stover wife Maryldeen; his sisters Charlotte Cooper husband Larry, and Donna Cauley. His children Debbie Stover husband Frank Roth, Shawn Stover wife Marla, Rebecca Stover husband Thomas Campbell, Jennifer Bergstorm husband Alan, and his step son Drew Olmsted wife Monica. Also his eight grandchildren, Gabe Criswell, Levi Criswell, Alexis Montgomery husband Ben, Kai Vallon, Daisy Lucero-Carr husband Cary, Ryan Murphy, Courtney Murphy, and Sam Olmsted; along with five great grand children, Shawn, Ethan, Lola, Zepher, Xanthe; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog Max.

Bob had a lifelong love of watching and playing baseball. He and Linda spent many summers attending Spring Training until he lost his eyesight to macular degeneration. That was a real disappointment but he handled it with grace and acceptance just like he did everything in life. Upon graduation from Albuquerque High School, he was drafted to play AAA Baseball for the Hollywood All-Stars in Anaheim, California. Upon his decision that he was not going to be the “Next Babe Ruth” he returned to Albuquerque with his pregnant wife and began his career with Albuquerque Police Department. On August 4, 1958 Bob graduated from the 10th Cadet Class. In 1973 he was appointed to Chief of Police (from the rank of Lieutenant) for the City of Albuquerque and served in that position until his first retirement in 1980. After his first retirement from APD he had a successful run for Bernalillo County Sheriff and was elected twice to that position. After successfully serving two elected terms as Sheriff, he accepted the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Albuquerque under the administration of Mayor Harry Kinny. Upon election of a new Mayor, CAO Stover tendered his resignation and again provided services to the law enforcement community when he was appointed as Under-Sheriff for Bernalillo County. He remained in that position until summoned back to the Albuquerque Police Department in 1990 when he was again appointed Chief of Police of APD by then Mayor Louis Saavedra. He served in that capacity until his second retirement in 1994. Out of all the positions with the Albuquerque Police Department, he enjoyed being a motorcycle officer the most. He spent lots of off hours riding with the Blue Knights and former Police Chief Joe Polisar, and Deputy Chief Richard Campbell, usually with a grandkid on the back. It was not that unusual for Chief Stover to sit down for coffee with officers or show up with donuts. Chief was best known for his candor, being a cop’s cop and being able to make difficult decisions under fire. During his time as chief of Police he instituted numerous programs and departments. These include the Internal Affairs Unit, K-9 Unit, Horse Mounted Patrol, School Detective Unit, Bicycle Patrol Unit, Take-Home Car Program, monthly open-house hours with the Chief (for officers to voice their concerns), the 30-Day Ride Along with the Chief so officers could understand his position. With the suggestion of Officer Greg MacAleese they developed the nationally recognized Crime Stoppers Program - which would become a national organization assisting law enforcement in capturing fugitives. His service and leadership were not based on self-interest but rather on his selfless commitment to the community. The City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Police Department recognized Chief Stover’s service to the community by dedicating a building in his honor. The Bob V. Stover Leadership Academy was dedicated on June 6, 2012 and is located at the Albuquerque Police Academy on second Street NW. Bob V. Stover is the first officer in the history of the Albuquerque Police Department to be appointed as Chief of Police twice, having held that office for a total of 11 years.

Later in life he and Linda became avid NASCAR fans and attended many races and seldom missed a race on television. He leaves behind a loving family, friends, and many law enforcement professionals he had the honor to serve with. Chief Stover was not an openly religious man; however he truly believed that through God all things are possible. The world is truly a better place because of his time on earth and he will be greatly missed.

Public Viewing and Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 1, 2015 at Daniels Family Funeral Services-Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Celebration of Chief Stover’s life will be held at Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Dr NE, on October 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park with a Reception to follow at The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History at 2:00 p.m. 2000 Mountain Rd. NW. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers that helped Bob through his illness and the many friends who loyally supported him during his last months: Hospice of New Mexico Dr. Mark Evanko, Richard Campbell and family, Richard Guerra and family, Joe Polisar, Conrad Candelaria, Joe Bowdich, Pete, George, and Betty Dinelli, Tony Herrera, Debbie Kudis, Drew Olmsted, Doug and Mish Clancey, and Manny Aragon just to name a few. A special thanks to KOAT-TV News and KRQE News for video clips of Bob's career.

In lieu of flowers family request you make donations in Bob's honor to American Lung Association or the Albuquerque Police Department’s 100 Club.