Michael J. Bowers
Michael Joseph Bowers, 70, of Washington, Illinois, formerly of Wyckoff, New Jersey, received his third set of wings on October 7, 2020, flying to his forever home in heaven. He passed away peacefully at home after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Born on August 10, 1950 in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Joseph Bowers and Lucia Bowers. His parents preceded him in death. Mike grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ and graduated from Fair Lawn High School and The University of Oklahoma. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Lee Hutsebaut in Fair Lawn, NJ on January 2, 1972. He is survived by his wife, two sisters Sandy Altman (Charlie), Saddle Brook, NJ, Kathy Kalmar (Lou), Wyckoff, NJ; two sister-in-laws; Dawn Hutsebaut-Kalb, Washington , IL, Cindy Neptune (John), Keller, Texas, two daughters, Julie Tilson (Greg), Washington, IL, Amy Dill, Bartow, FL; seven grandchildren: Braden, Peyton, Carson, Ashton, Reagan of Washington, IL and Alissa and Brady, both of Bartow, FL, six nieces and nephews: Sharon, Jill, Louis, Michael, Bobby and Jeff, ten grandnieces and nephews: Ashley, Samantha, Brian, Abby, Jesse, Reagan, Lily, Nora, Evie and Olivia and five Godchildren Jill, Michael, Jeff, Cara and Kelly.. Mike had an amazing life. Being a winner of the draft lottery, Mike joined the ROTC program at OU. He entered the United States Navy as an ensign after graduation. He earned his first set of wings upon completing flight training. He was honored to attend Top Gun school as an F14 pilot. Many of the pilots that flew in the Top Gun movie were his students. Mike served for nine years active duty and 17 years in the naval reserves. He retired as a Captain. After completing his active duty tours Mike earned his second set of wings and went on to fly for People Express, who merged with Continental Airlines, who merged with United Airlines. He flew the Boeing 727, 737, 757, 767and 777. He finished his career as The Chief Pilot at Newark International Airport. He was responsible for 2700 United pilots that called Newark their home base. He was loved by his staff, pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew. At his retirement he was recognized by many, as being “the best and most respected chief pilot.” He was proud to have earned that honor. Mike enjoyed flying the troops home from Afghanistan, flying the Yankees to and from a World Series game, flying the Giants home from a Super Bowl victory, Flying the Christmas flight to the “North Pole” for underprivileged children in the Newark area, flying rescue trips to Haiti after the earthquake; brining in supplies and bringing home stranded passengers, and he was honored to fly the first plane into Washington, DC after 9/11. After retiring Mike and Kathy moved to Washington, IL. Mike loved living next door to five of their grandchildren and being a very present part of their lives; attending sporting events, family dinners and providing humor to their daily lives. Mike loved playing golf, which got much better after retiring, and watching his beloved Oklahoma Sooners play football. He always looked forward to the annual trip to Oklahoma to watch them play and visiting college roommates. He loved riding his bike and especially “enjoyed” the weeklong trips with his nephew, Mike, through the Colorado mountains. If there was a challenge to be had, Mike was up for it. He will forever be grateful for his “small group family” from the Wyckoff Reformed Church. They pondered many life lessons as they journeyed through life together. Mike will be forever remembered as being selfless, kind, loving, and for his uncanny sense of humor and love for his family and friends. He is forever grateful for the 800+ Facebook prayer warriors who stood by his side and prayed for him daily during his journey with pancreatic cancer. The oncologist gave him three months. Their love and prayers gave him 16. Thanks be to God. Due to the coronavirus and the present precautions, a Celebration of his Life will be celebrated in Wyckoff, New Jersey on his birthday, August 10, 2021. Please check Mike Bowers Journey Facebook page for more information in July. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to: Michael Bowers Legacy of Excellence Scholarship. Mike’s majors at the University of Oklahoma were architecture and city planning. This scholarship will continue to live on forever and will honor Mike’s memory as someone who deeply cares for others. https://www.nj.com/news/2020/10/capt-mike-bowers-real-life-top-gun-pilot-who-flew-1m-passengers-for-united-dies-at-70.htmlObituary
Michael Joseph Bowers, 70, of Washington, Illinois, formerly of Wyckoff, New Jersey, received his third set of wings on October 7, 2020, flying to his forever home in heaven. He passed away peacefully at home after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Born on August 10, 1950 in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Joseph Bowers and Lucia Bowers. His parents preceded him in death. Mike grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ and graduated from Fair Lawn High School and The University of Oklahoma. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Lee Hutsebaut in Fair Lawn, NJ on January 2, 1972. He is survived by his wife, two sisters Sandy Altman (Charlie), Saddle Brook, NJ, Kathy Kalmar (Lou), Wyckoff, NJ; two sister-in-laws; Dawn Hutsebaut-Kalb, Washington , IL, Cindy Neptune (John), Keller, Texas, two daughters, Julie Tilson (Greg), Washington, IL, Amy Dill, Bartow, FL; seven grandchildren: Braden, Peyton, Carson, Ashton, Reagan of Washington, IL and Alissa and Brady, both of Bartow, FL, six nieces and nephews: Sharon, Jill, Louis, Michael, Bobby and Jeff, ten grandnieces and nephews: Ashley, Samantha, Brian, Abby, Jesse, Reagan, Lily, Nora, Evie and Olivia and five Godchildren Jill, Michael, Jeff, Cara and Kelly.. Mike had an amazing life. Being a winner of the draft lottery, Mike joined the ROTC program at OU. He entered the United States Navy as an ensign after graduation. He earned his first set of wings upon completing flight training. He was honored to attend Top Gun school as an F14 pilot. Many of the pilots that flew in the Top Gun movie were his students. Mike served for nine years active duty and 17 years in the naval reserves. He retired as a Captain. After completing his active duty tours Mike earned his second set of wings and went on to fly for People Express, who merged with Continental Airlines, who merged with United Airlines. He flew the Boeing 727, 737, 757, 767and 777. He finished his career as The Chief Pilot at Newark International Airport. He was responsible for 2700 United pilots that called Newark their home base. He was loved by his staff, pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew. At his retirement he was recognized by many, as being “the best and most respected chief pilot.” He was proud to have earned that honor. Mike enjoyed flying the troops home from Afghanistan, flying the Yankees to and from a World Series game, flying the Giants home from a Super Bowl victory, Flying the Christmas flight to the “North Pole” for underprivileged children in the Newark area, flying rescue trips to Haiti after the earthquake; brining in supplies and bringing home stranded passengers, and he was honored to fly the first plane into Washington, DC after 9/11. After retiring Mike and Kathy moved to Washington, IL. Mike loved living next door to five of their grandchildren and being a very present part of their lives; attending sporting events, family dinners and providing humor to their daily lives. Mike loved playing golf, which got much better after retiring, and watching his beloved Oklahoma Sooners play football. He always looked forward to the annual trip to Oklahoma to watch them play and visiting college roommates. He loved riding his bike and especially “enjoyed” the weeklong trips with his nephew, Mike, through the Colorado mountains. If there was a challenge to be had, Mike was up for it. He will forever be grateful for his “small group family” from the Wyckoff Reformed Church. They pondered many life lessons as they journeyed through life together. Mike will be forever remembered as being selfless, kind, loving, and for his uncanny sense of humor and love for his family and friends. He is forever grateful for the 800+ Facebook prayer warriors who stood by his side and prayed for him daily during his journey with pancreatic cancer. The oncologist gave him three months. Their love and prayers gave him 16. Thanks be to God. Due to the coronavirus and the present precautions, a Celebration of his Life will be celebrated in Wyckoff, New Jersey on his birthday, August 10, 2021. Please check Mike Bowers Journey Facebook page for more information in July. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to: Michael Bowers Legacy of Excellence Scholarship. Mike’s majors at the University of Oklahoma were architecture and city planning. This scholarship will continue to live on forever and will honor Mike’s memory as someone who deeply cares for others. https://www.nj.com/news/2020/10/capt-mike-bowers-real-life-top-gun-pilot-who-flew-1m-passengers-for-united-dies-at-70.html
Events
10:30 AM