George P. Bowen

Longtime Alaskan and Soldotna resident George P. Bowen, 75, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Central Peninsula Hospital after battling metastatic colon cancer. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Sterling Lutheran Church, 35100 McCall Street, Sterling. Pastor William Hilgendorf will officiate. George was born Mar. 27, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from high school and Junior College. He also had hours and study and apprenticeship training to become an IBEW Journeyman Lineman. George also maintained his State Certificate of Fitness requirements and exams. He moved to Alaska in 1977, living in Anchorage. There, he worked for ML&P. He moved to the Peninsula in 1995 and worked for HEA in Kenai and Homer. He moved to Eagle River in 2010 and worked for NPC in Anchorage and for the IBEW doing various other jobs throughout the State. He moved back to Soldotna in 2012. George was a member of the Sterling Lutheran Church and enjoyed fishing, biking, travel, watching old western shows/movies, helping family, friends and his church with projects. His family shares, “George was the love of my life, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin. He loved spending time with his family, friends, and his church. He was an excellent journeyman lineman for 50 years, electrician, carpenter, and you name-it he could-do-it type of guy, plus he could precisely fall a tree! We also called him Mr. Fix-it, as he loved a challenge, and always made things work. George loved supporting his children’s educational and athletic endeavors. He took great pride and pleasure in watching and providing whatever it took to help them succeed in their respective sport, be it: Bart’s skiing and cycling, Chantel’s volleyball, Christopher’s football and soccer, Olivia’s swimming, and Scott’s cross-country skiing. He was an avid angler, and spent many hours fishing the Kenai River, Deep Creek, and Homer waters. He never hesitated to help anyone who needed an extra hand. He also had a great sense of humor, a great laugh and many jokes and stories were shared around a campfire! Also, George enjoyed sharing the Alaska experience, inviting and opening his home to family and friends who would venture up to Alaska to take part. He enjoyed being outdoors on a road trip, fishing, hiking, hunting and camping in Alaska. Many memorable moments and lifelong stories were created and will be cherished by all who experienced it with George. He’ll always be remembered when we go out and enjoy the outdoors. George was a wonderful and generous brother. Always concerned of others needs over his own. He’ll surely be missed. George was a hardworking, loving husband and father, possessed his mother’s pride, and loved by many. I hope everyone who knew George remember what a remarkable man he was. Love- Brent We are remembering George as an older brother, role model and supporter, whose impact on all our lives will be forever felt. Love – Dwight, Judi, Dakota and Kolton My Dad and biggest fan lost his battle with cancer. Over the years we developed a relationship built on shared adventures focused around fishing and camping trips, sporting endeavors, and family projects. Grandpa to Gavin and Tanner Bowen, he helped build intricate school projects, fixed many cars and loved supporting his grandkids with excitement and enthusiasm in the pits for the many national championship cyclocross events he attended. He planted the seeds of adventure and believed that hard work could make every goal achievable! Love- Bart Grandpa, thank you for all the memories and all the things you taught my dad Scott, to help sculpt who I am today. I love you- Calvin Dad, Thank you for giving me a lot of opportunity to enrich my own life, it’s such a great spirit that will never lose life. You told us to travel, to enjoy life. But most of all never forgetting to love us while enjoying the journey. The End is in actuality the beginning, and may seem to be a punishment, but can also be looked at as if God is building Heaven. He says famously “do not be afraid my CHILD!” “He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30” God Bless you Dad. Love you forever! Scott, MaryAnn, grandkids Ryland, Kaleb, Ethan, Elise, Calvin Our family is very grateful to all the medical team and staff at the Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska who helped George with his medical treatments and hospital care. Thank you for your dedication to George’s care and providing him a great space to live out his final days with dignity. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.” George was preceded in death by his daughter, Chantel A. Bowen-Sanchez and parents, George F. and Willia Mae (Bendele) Bowen He is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Bowen of Soldotna; children, Bart Bowen of Bend, Ore., Scott (MaryAnn) Martens of Las Vegas, Nev., Christopher G. Bowen and Olivia A. Bowen (Keegan), all of Soldotna; grandchildren, Gavin and Tanner Bowen, Ethan, Ryland and Kaleb Martens, Elise (Dana) Olsowsky and Calvin Aguirre; brothers, Randy (Mary Jo), Terry, and Dwight (Judi), all of San Antonio, Texas and Brent of Elgin, Texas; and many cousins. Memorial donations may be sent to Sterling Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 187, Sterling, AK 99672 or the charity of choice. Arrangements by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.