William A. "Bill" Bowes
Marriages
Marie Rose - December 27, 1947
Married 63 years
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - May 21, 2011
Bill Bowes died peacefully at Yampa Valley Medical Center on May 16, 2011, after a sudden illness. He lived a very full life of love, always surrounded by his family and his friends and incredible experiences in the mountains.
Bill was born in Salem, Ore., to Clarence “Buddy” and Fannie Bement Bowes. During a 1937 snowstorm in Salem, he had his first taste of skiing by building wooden barrel staves skis with his dad, and his passion for Alpine adventure began. As a staff sergeant in the 87th 10th Mountain Division, Bill taught mountaineering, rock climbing, winter survival tactics and skiing throughout the United States. He served in Alaska training scouts for an invasion of Japan.
Bill received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from Oregon State University and completed his master’s degree in mining geology at the University of Utah. During college, Bill began his legacy of championships in ski racing and was an alternate to the 1948 U.S. Ski Team. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Marie Rose. She captured his heart by patiently waiting on the steps of Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood with her bags, hoping Bill might offer a ride back to Portland. He promptly helped Marie, and thus began their lifelong love affair with the mountains and each other.
Bill and Marie were married Dec. 27, 1947, in Portland, Ore., and lived throughout the West and Santiago, Chile, before moving to Steamboat Springs. Bill was happiest in the mountains.
Bill was a consulting mining geologist in mineral exploration. His early work in geology was for the Atomic Energy Commission and with the United States Geologic Survey, which took the family to Chile. As the principal for his consulting firm, W.A. Bowes, he applied geophysics, geochemistry and other technologies focused on mineral deposits in historic mining districts across the West. During his retired life, Bill shared his knowledge of geology with his former colleagues and academic professionals. A validation of his life’s work occurred recently upon the discovery of a promising gold deposit at one of his former exploration areas in Idaho.
The Bowes family moved to Steamboat in 1962 and settled at “Homer Seepage” in Strawberry Park, a small home featuring a creek running through the backyard and what Bill and Marie envisioned as a ski hill. Soon, the seven Bowes children were enjoying day and night skiing with rope tow on the “back hill.” Many Steamboat children cut their teeth (and broke their bones) skiing and tubing at the Bowes’ house in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Bill was close to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, using the back hill and region as an introduction to the wonders of the outdoors. He enjoyed caring for his family and dogs up until the end of his life.
Bill was a strong volunteer for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, serving as board president in 1972. He was instrumental in the installation of the Poma lift. Bill quietly served on several community boards and efforts in Steamboat.
Bill was preceded in death by the love of his life, Marie, his wife of 63 years. His complete devotion to Marie during her extended battle with dementia was an inspiration to many and speaks to their deep love for each other. He also was preceded in death by his brother Bob and son Bill Jr. (Lynn McCann). He is survived by his six children and their families. Sue (Joe) Rife, Kim Bowes, Jim Bowes, Mike Bowes, Heidi (Tony) Nunnikhoven and Tammie (Patrick) Delaney; 10 grandchildren and their five great-grandchildren, Cedar (Kelly and sons Adrian, Cayman, Luke) Beauregard, Cactus (Chula and sons Lynx and Fisher) Beauregard, Robert “Buddy” Bowes, Jenny Bowes, Dan and Nicole Bowes, Sandy and Marieke Nunnikhoven, and Liam and Millie Delaney.
A memorial service will be held in Steamboat Springs on July 2. Details are pending. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Yampa Valley Community Foundation — W. A. Bowes Donor Advised Fund.
