Mark Bowen

WILMINGTON- On  Thursday, December 19, 2019, Mark Bowen, loving brother to five siblings, died at the age of 59.
Mr. Bowen was born on December 22, 1959, at Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington. His twin sister Maureen followed him into the world six-and-one-half minutes later. He was born to Dorothy and Wayland Bowen, of Richmond.
Mr. Bowen, a self-taught, self-made “Jack of all trades,” spent many years doing work that he loved, employed as a fisherman on a crab boat, and doing carpentry work from framing to trim and finish work. He scaled many a wall, even some stories tall, carrying a 60-pound set of tools and a safety harness. He was a member of North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He was a member of AA and was able to maintain sobriety for 25 years.
Mr. Bowen had a passion for life. He loved to hunt and fish, he loved swimming, rock ‘n’ roll music, and playing air guitar.  He was a “Robin Hood,” a daredevil and an artist. When he worked as a carpenter, he came up with ideas that saved money and time, leaving some scratching their heads and wondering “Why didn’t I think of that?” He taught others to do carpentry work, the right way.  The first time he showed someone how to work if they paid attention, they were set. The second time he showed them the same thing, his lesson was peppered with colorful language. The third time he showed them the same thing again,  if they had not paid attention this lesson would begin with the phrase “Let me speak slowly so you can follow along.”  
Mr. Bowen loved to cook. His signature dish, a “mean chicken Alfredo,” was requested when his friends came to visit.  He was a daredevil and whatever he did in life, he did it with gusto.
A tough-looking guy with tattoos and Mr. Bowen, at first glance, might seem intimidating. When he held his chihuahua “Baby,” a smile would creep across his face, you could almost see that big heart melt.
Mr. Bowen touched many lives. As his friends are learning of his death, stories are coming forward that speak to his caring, generosity, quick wit, and infectious smile. One woman came forward to say that Mark took her to an AA meeting, which she said “saved my life.” To this day, she remains sober. He gave from his heart, whether it be food, a place to “crash,” money and even vehicles. He did so out of the kindness of his heart.
Although separated by distance, his family loved him in their own different ways. He was a fierce protector of his family. He kept his twin sister Maureen from harm with no thought to his own safety.  His siblings cared for him in different ways, with support and care. He never doubted that love. His niece, Karen Palmer of Massachusetts, provided companionship and care, often showing up with home-cooked meals and baked goods, with the most special ingredient being love. She shared her beautiful daughter Jessica’s accomplishments, and Mark, a proud uncle, looked forward to Jessica’s plays, performances, and the family bond. The family is ever grateful for that connection.
Mr. Bowen met  Heather in 2005, they were married, and they were together for seven years. He and Heather had several fur babies, Chihuahuas Khujo the Small, Cinderella, and Babs, “Bad Ass Biker.”
Mr. Bowen looked forward to calls from his longtime friends Keith Smeil and Mark Atwood. He looked forward to his afternoon calls from Mr.  Atwood every day at 4:30 pm. Mr. Atwood was the last person known  to speak with Mark before his death. Both men called Mr. Bowen “brother”.
He was preceded in death by his parents Wayland Bowen and Dorothy Korzun Bowen. His parents met him at the Gates of Heaven, welcoming him home into their arms and the loving care of God.
Mr. Bowen leaves behind a legacy and shoes too big to be filled by any man. He leaves behind a daughter Misty, son Jason, his sister Marsha Bowen, his brother Butch Bowen, his sister Mary Houle, sister Deb Morse, and his twin sister Maureen Bowen Carpentier. Mr. Bowen leaves his niece Karen Palmer, great-niece Jessica Palmer, nephew Jeff Palmer, nephew Peter Houle; and nieces Becky Clarke and Jen McGarvin. He also leaves behind his life long-friends Mark Atwood and Keith Smeil.  He leaves behind his cat “Margo Kitty,” who provided laughter, and love and currently resides in Richmond.
Mr. Bowen faced life head on. He was fearless. His spirit is mixed with everyone he touched forever. He is now and will always be our brother.
Join family and friends on Sunday, May 24, at 1 pm at 988 Harriman Station Drive, in Readsboro, at his favorite fishing spot, where fish were biting and the views were amazing. He enjoyed peaceful moments there.  Friends and family will celebrate his life, and witness Mr. Bowen as he “Goes Fishing”  and begins the greatest adventure of all.