July 12, 1940 – Sept. 11, 2022
John Ted Bowman, beloved father, husband, brother, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2022 surrounded by his family and friends.
John’s life was lived with astute wit, wisdom and inimitable style. He was born on July 12, 1940 in Redding, Calif. to John C. Bowman and Doris M. Maynard, stationed there for the construction of Shasta Dam. The family moved around the country (and world) for similar projects, including the building of Hoover Dam (Boulder City, Nev.) and Mangla Dam (Pakistan).
He graduated valedictorian in 1958 from Woodland High School in Washington. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter radio technician and mechanic from 1960-65 based out of El Toro Air Force base, with missions to Columbia and Panama.
He was on the vanguard of computer programming, and moved to Santa Barbara, Calif. in 1965 to work as a computer analyst. John later became an independent project manager consultant, applying his brilliant mind to help companies adapt to the expanding world of technology and strategic planning, including the computer transition of Y2K. During his long career and education, he studied Civil Engineering and received a bacahelor’s degree in Business Management. Amidst many changes, he fathered three children, moved from California to Oregon, Saudi Arabia, Washington, Indiana and New Mexico before settling in the lovely village of Lorane, Ore. with his wife, Susan.
Words do not do justice to this man’s large, interesting life. He was a mentor and friend to many, offering a helping hand to those who wanted to learn. An avid reader, he loved history, movies, news, word/math puzzles, and was always ready with smart commentary and dry humor.
He is survived by his loving wife Susan (Wickwire), daughters Tracy Simkins (Steve), Ruth Bowman (Mike Warren) and Lyn Hiner (Rob); brothers Michael and Jeff Bowman; grandchildren Sophie Dudrow, Sarah and Ellie Hiner, Zoe and Maya Simkins; extended family children Shawna Mason (Joey), RJ David (Grace), Michelle Alvarado (Robert Kieffer); grandchildren Jordyn, Krysten and Nathan Shields, Julia Alvarado, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris Bowman, and sister Diane Jensen (Milt).
Services were held at Lorane Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the non-profit Greenhill Humane Society of Eugene (green-hill.org/donate/) 541-689-1503 x112.
Deep gratitude and prayers of love to you, dear Papa John, for the brilliant passion, pride and honor you have brought to this world. Ride like the wind! Amen, amen!
Of all the teachings we receive,
this one is the most important:
Nothing belongs to you
of what there is,
Of what you take,
you must share.
– Chief Dan George, My Heart Soars
