Richard Bowen, a 47-year resident of Bedford and active member of the community, passed away on January 16 surrounded by family after a sudden illness. He was 76.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Harry and Ann (Hickson) Bowen, Jr. Richard was the beloved husband of Joan (Copithorne) Bowen. Devoted father of Ami Bowen of Newton, Charles Bowen and his wife Elizabeth of Durham, Maine, and Catherine Bowen and her partner Jakob Schelker of Vienna, Austria.
Cherished grandfather of Gavin and William Cotter, James and Robert Bowen, and Emil Schelker-Bowen. Caring uncle to many nephews, nieces, and their children.
Dear younger brother of Harry Bowen III of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Memorial service on Saturday, January 28, at 1 pm at the First Parish in Bedford. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Richard’s memory to Friends of Acadia (friendsofacadia.org), the Bedford Citizen (thebedfordcitizen.org), or Trinity Boston Foundation (trinityinspires.org).
In 1970, Richard and Joan moved to Bedford from New York City after he accepted a job at a new technology company in nearby Burlington. He and Joan raised three children who all attended Bedford public schools.
Richard became increasingly active in town organizations, including Bedford Youth and Family Services, the Bedford Finance Committee, and the Bedford Democratic Committee.
He was instrumental in the construction of the new Department of Public Works building, supporting the design selection process and pushing for the override to fund the building. An enthusiastic Bedford Day participant, every year Richard would woo local politicians and elected officials to march in the Bedford Day Parade alongside members of Bedford Democratic Committee.
A proud graduate of Princeton University, Richard wrote many letters of recommendation and support over the years for talented Bedford High School students.
A history and geography buff, Richard enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren to visit Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields, and quizzing them about state capitals. He loved to share a good breakfast, discuss the latest issue of The Economist, and take long mountain hikes with friends and family of all ages.
Richard’s family is grateful for the expressions of sympathy and appreciation for his service to the town from the many residents who knew him.
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