Quentin Bowman

Quentin was born at North Powder, Oregon to Albert and Helen Bowman. His parents were from pioneer families. Quentin's early education was received in a two-room school. He graduated from North Powder High School, where he served as student body president and editor of the school paper. Freezing temperatures in the mountain valley gave Quentin an opportunity to skip class to put up ice for the Pacific Freight Express. After high school he attended Lewiston Normal in Idaho and Eastern Oregon College where he met his wife, Phyllis.

Quentin served five years in the Army (three years in the South Pacific during WWII). He worked in General McArthur's headquarters in Brisbane, Australia where the General gave pep talks each morning.

Quentin earned his Bachelors and Masters degree at Oregon State University where he was elected to the OSU all school and National Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi. Upon graduation he taught vocational agriculture for five years at a Hood River valley high school. He is still fondly known as "Pops" to his students.

Quentin worked the next twenty years with the Oregon State Water Resources Board in "area development," consulting with county water committees statewide. In 1972 Quentin received a letter from Governor Tom McCall recognizing his efforts on the Water Resources Board. "A review of the records indicates the substantial work you've done and the splendid effort you've put forth in coordinating the comments of agencies and in resolving conflicts. The total number of comments you've put together from the resource agencies approaches 20,000 and were contained in 1,200 letters you've prepared for my signature. It's an excellent record and you have my commendation." Quentin later sold real estate until retirement.

Quentin is the author of seven books with four resource books published by the state. He was active in the community serving ten years on the Salem Library Advisory board, nine years as Chairman of the Chemeketa Community College Senior Advisory Board, as Resident and Area Governor of a Toastmaster club, President of the East Salem Kiwanis Club, four times as Chairman of the Lansing Neighborhood Association, five years as Treasurer of the Oregon Wildlife Federation, five years as a 4-H leader, Chairman and Treasurer of the Marion Water Management Council, Director and Treasurer of the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District. Quentin gave monthly reports to the board related to legislative matters and current events until he was ninety years old. He was a member of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for twenty-five years. He was four times the recipient of a Salem distinguished service award and received the Oregon State University Diamond Registry for contributions to OSU and Oregon agriculture.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, golfing, reading, writing and was a lifetime learner, taking 110 classes at Chemeketa Community College after retiring.

Quentin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Phyllis, sons Gregory (Becky) of Eugene, Roger (Lori) of Salem, grandsons Brian (Tara Jackson) and Ross (Kristen), great grandson Quentin Lewis Bowman and brother Howard. Brothers Eugene and Forrest and sisters Evelyn Dickenson and La Rose Phillips preceded him in death.

Private interment will be at the Willamette National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 8th from 2-5pm at the Red Lion in Salem, OR on Hawthorne Street.

Death leaves a heartache

No one can heal

Love leaves a memory

No one can steal.