Thomas Karl Bowie

Tom died peacefully at home on February 10, 2021 surrounded by his wife and family. Tom had been recently struggling with what was believed to be late stage lung cancer. Our family was grateful he was able to remain at home in a comfortable setting for his passing.

Tom was born in Omaha, Nebraska and attended Omaha Tech High School. After graduation, he joined the Navy and shortly thereafter married Nancy Lou Stephan in 1951. He served as a Boatswain’s mate during his time in the Navy and was based in San Diego where the love of that city took over his heart. After his honorable discharge he and Nancy made the move to San Diego from Minnesota.

Tom attended technical school to become a draftsman and hence started his career in manufacturing.

In 1968 he began his tenure with IVAC corporation in San Diego where he was one of the early contributors to the company’s success. He held several positions through the years but found his greatest fulfillment as General Manager, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.

Tom’s youngest daughter Jackie remembers him taking her to his office when she was a little girl and then as an adult, Jackie often visited him while at his work where he was always eager to discuss business and people strategies. His favorite quote was “Business is not a Democracy”.

Tom’s time at IVAC allowed he and Nancy an opportunity to travel the world. Their adventures took them to places such as Australia, China, Japan and Greece and even the opportunity to fly on the Concord. On occasion his daughters Pam and Jackie were able to join them in wonderful locations such as the British Virgin Islands and London.

When he was not working, Tom enjoyed spending his time in the outdoors with Nancy, family and friends in their vacation homes in San Felipe, Baja California and Martinez Lake, Arizona. Whether on the beach with dune buggies or on the river with jet boats, he worked hard to play hard!

After retirement, he and Nancy moved to Yuma, AZ where Nancy passed away after 42 years of marriage.

Later, Tom married Suzanne Stacy and built a life with Suzanne that included an expanded family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. During his retirement years with Suzanne, Tom tried to take up golf but really was not a fan. Once while golfing in Maui during a family trip, Tom’s mischievousness nature came forward. He purposely stepped on his son-in-law Craig’s golf ball to bury it in the mud so Craig could not find it. A lot of laughs an¬d memories were made that day!

Tom rekindled his love of the Baja by spending time in Cabo and La Paz where he explored the Sea of Cortez, Baja towns and sea life.

He spent endless hours on his computer, helping friends with business plans and creating movies with the many pictures he took for friends and family. He enjoyed documenting events wherever he went.

Tom is survived by his wife Suzanne, daughters Pamela Jemapete (Chris), and Jackie Meyer (Craig), his sister Caroline Hooker and an extended family of stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and a nephew.

Please take a moment to enjoy a Memorial video of Tom by clicking the following link: https://youtu.be/z92BDy11sTA

Remembrances to honor Tom’s love of the Baja can be made in the form of a donation to the Sea of Cortez Fund by clicking the following link: https://icfdn.org/donate/?form=FUNLMWGKIQO or International Community Foundation, 2505 N. Avenue, National City, CA 91950, Re: Sea of Cortez Fund in Honor of Thomas Bowie.

Private Interment – Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego CA