George Francis Bowden

George Francis Bowden, 97, of Vacaville, California passed away on November 3, 2022. His family will gather together to celebrate his life at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. No public service is planned.

George is survived by his older sister, Ruth Bonneville and children, Alane Enyart (Ramzis Ahmitzyanov), Gale Hybarger (Jim), Phil Bowden (Beth Boyst) and Carl Bowden; his grandchildren Christopher Johnson (Sarah), Nathan Johnson (Brandi), Trent Enyart, and Melissa Kretzmann (Scott), four great-grandchildren, and four nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Bowden of Chicago, Illinois.

As part of the “greatest generation,” George enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 years of age and became an aviation cadet during World War II. He retained a life-long love of planes (boats and trains too) and told many stories of flying his beloved Stearman biplane. After the war ended, George studied civil engineering at Purdue University receiving a Bachelor of Science (1948) and Master of Science from Wayne State University (1974). His extensive career included responsibilities as a Field engineer at Commonwealth Edison Company (Chicago); Vice president, Symons Corporation (Des Plaines); and Chairman of the Construction Engineering Department, Lawrence Technological University (Southfield, MI). He had over 20 patents granted in concrete forms.

George met his future wife, Barbara Caryl in a snowball fight at Purdue University and they were married after graduation in 1948. They celebrated 66 years of marriage before she passed in 2014. Together, they formed close friendships in all of the places they lived – Chicago, Hazel Crest, Des Plains, and Northbrook, IL; Hartland and Milford, MI; Battlement Mesa, CO and since 2007, Vacaville, CA.

A dedicated lap swimmer, George swam competitively in college and continued to swim 1,000 meters three times a week well into his 90’s. He was a wicked good ping pong player. He loved travel, adventure, boating, and “a good conversation.” As world travelers, he and Barbara explored China, Africa, Antarctica, South America, Palau, the Galapagos Islands and many other remote and wild places. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

George’s family wishes to commend the excellent and compassionate care and he received from the staffs at Cogir of Vacaville and Oakmont of East Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Nature Conservancy or a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nicoletticuljisherbergerfuneral.com for the Bowden family.