Louis Edward Bowlds

A beautiful sunset on the eve of November 28, 2014 marked the passing of one of life’s greatest people – Louis Edward Bowlds. Louis succumbed to a massive stroke on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 and died in the arms of his loved ones just three days later. His passing was free of pain, and he lived his life on his own terms and to its fullest extent up until the very last moments. Louis loved being surrounded by his family. His survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Marilyn, his son Brian Bowlds (Brenda) of Minden, Nevada, and his daughter, Leslie Bowlds Hermann (Luke) of Reno, Nevada. He also has five beloved grand-children and one great-granddaughter: Ryan O’Dell (Sarah) with daughter Julie B. of Englewood, Braden O’Dell of Castle Rock, and his “sweethearts” Kelsey Hermann of Oakland, CA, Jenna Hermann of NYC, and Katja Hermann, currently residing in Germany. He also leaves behind his loyal Shiba Inu, “Mikey.” He is predeceased by his daughter, Cristiana, his sister Susie, his brother Stanley, and his parents Louis G. and Elda Evans Bowlds.

Louis was born in Sioux City, Iowa on September 28, 1922, although most of his younger years were spent growing up in various parts of Denver. Louis’s father was a well-known commercial artist whose air brush strokes adorned most of Denver’s theatres. His father was also an accomplished pianist. His father’s musical and artistic influence provided a rich backdrop for Louis’s upbringing. Louis’s life was characterized by a constant pursuit of quality and appreciation for fine things.

After his graduation from high school, Louis became the first man in the history of the United States to be commissioned at the age of 18 as a second lieutenant. After his commission, he spent time at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Camp Taccoa, Georgia, and Fort Benning, Georgia, where he attended Parachute School. Later, he was assigned to the 100th Infantry Division. His outfit deployed in October of 1944 to Marseilles, France. Within 10 days, they entered into combat in the vicinity of Baccarat, France. His regiment moved north to the Maginot Line then later fought in the notorious Battle of the Bulge, where Louis’s division could not be penetrated. His men later moved to the Siegfried Line then proceeded down towards Stuttgart in April of 1945. When the war ended during the time of the Occupation, Louis served as Military Governor of Ludwigsburg. Louis’s division worked to restore parts of Germany, moving from one concentration camp to another, providing medical assistance and food to prisoners in Dachau. Although Louis’s military career was short, he earned The Silver Star, the third highest award for combat valor in the United States Military. He is also decorated with a Bronze Star.

Louis remained in Germany for several years after WWII, working as a civilian for the American Military Government. It was during this era of his life that he served as the official American photographer for the Nuremberg Trials. Louis’s job was to chronicle the events from a pictorial standpoint. He took hundreds of photos of Goering, Hess, Frick, Keitel, and Jodl throughout the trials, many of which gone have down in history. Among them, he took the only picture of the four generals during the Occupation: Eisenhower of the United States, Montgomery of Great Britain, Zhukov of Russia, and Koenig of France.

When Louis returned to the United States after the war, he moved home to Colorado where the ski industry had started to grow. Louis loved the mountains and wanted to learn to ski. He got involved in the industry, which later became his career. Louis’s innovative thinking yielded the creation of the Rocky Mountain News Ski School and later the J.E.T.S., a ski program for children. When his own children got good enough to ski race, the J.E.T.S. became a ski team. A born leader, Louis became president of the Rocky Mountain Ski Association, and later a vice-president in the United States Ski Association.

Louis’s greatest love in his life was Marilyn. Together, they explored the world for several decades, venturing to Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand as well as extensive travel in the United States. Louis loved to research about history, food, art, and architecture of places all around the world. Louis was an avid reader, devouring tomes of non-fiction around any number of subjects: animals, history, politics, biography, sports. Up until the last few years of his life, Louis was also a bicycle enthusiast. He rode all over Denver, leading his friends and family through the network of paths that connect the city. His birthday celebrations became notorious to his friends every September 28th as he rode one mile for each year of his life around Cherry Creek Reservoir while onlookers cheered for him. Yeah Lou! This ritual lasted into his eighties. Louis’s keen sense of humor and ability to capture an audience will always be remembered by so many people who were lucky to know him.

In lieu of flowers we would like donations to U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation http://foundation.ussa.org or a charity of choice.