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Community activist
founded Bogota's
swim club in 1963
George Bowden, a neighborhood druggist who founded one of Bogota's most enduring institutions its swim club died Monday. He was 84.
A borough native, Mr. Bowden opened Main Pharmacy on West Main Street in 1955. His business, one of three pharmacies in tiny Bogota in the years before the drugstore chains, was a popular gathering place for youngsters, and Mr. Bowden and his wife, Helga, hired local teenagers as clerks and delivery boys.
Mr. Bowden's interest in the welfare of young people extended to his other activities. He headed efforts to curb drug abuse, was active in Scouting and, beginning in 1968, served on the Board of Education for a decade, including a stint as board president.
And to this day, children who splash the summer away at the Bogota Swim Club have Mr. Bowden to thank.
Mr. Bowden lobbied for the development of the swim club and, according to a profile in The Record, and put up his Larch Avenue home and the pharmacy as collateral to ensure the project's success. The swim club opened in 1963 and Mr. Bowden was its first president.
Mr. Bowden's son, Kevin, remembers that his father and other civic-minded residents pushed for the swim club with just one aim in mind: to give youngsters something to do.
"The funny thing is, Dad never went swimming in the pool there he never liked swimming. Isn't that ironic?" Kevin said. "He'd go down to the swim club every once in a while to be a presence and to hack around the office, but he wasn't one to sit in the sun."
Mr. Bowden sold Main Pharmacy in 1981, after chain drugstores began entering the North Jersey market. "He saw the writing on the wall and got out when the getting was good," his son said.
A graduate of Rutgers University's College of Pharmacy, Mr. Bowden stayed in the profession, working for the next two decades at the Rite- Aid in town.
Mr. Bowden, a Hackensack resident for the past 10 years, is survived by his wife of 58 years; his children, Patricia Domney of Wanaque and Kevin of Long Valley, and three grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday at Living Word Community Church in Dumont.
Email: [email protected]
7 Entries
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Bowden's passing. He was a good boss and a great friend. I carry many fond memories of him and your whole family from my time at Main Pharmacy.
John Ferraris
February 11, 2013
hi my name is jim dusenbery, this man waqs and is always dear to my heart
February 9, 2013
Helga, We celebrate George for his lifetime accomplishments as a family man, lifetime pharmacist and community activist. I celebrate George and you for having been mentors and surrogate parents for me for many years. In the most formative years of my life you both secured a special place in my heart for your many kindnesses and acts of generosity. George has always been an exceptional individual and citizen of the world with a vision directed outside of him towards making a better world for those he touched. From delivering prescriptions for your store all over town for 10¢ to clerk for several years, a trip toi Washinton, D.C. with your family, you always watched out for me. Bogota has lost a favorite son. Our loss is great. Rest in Peace, George and Helga, may the Lord hold your hand through this time of need.
David Ells
February 3, 2013
George was a faithful servant of our Lord at Maranatha Church of the Nazarene for many years. Our loss was Living Word's gain for the remainder of his time on earth. I am sure the ongoing faithfulness Of Pastor Bolella to God's word was the sure "magnet" for George's unswerving commitment to Christ's Church in Dumont. Mine and all Maranatha extend condolences to his family and our brethren at Living word.
Hebrews 6:10-God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. RIP George.
Pastor Charles Rizzo
January 30, 2013
May you find comfort in knowing that George is present with the Lord Jesus and united with those that have passed before him. I pray that your relationship with Jesus will be made richer and deeper.
Diane Mueller
January 30, 2013
Dear Helga;
I am so truly sorry for George's passing. But I know he is with our Lord and we will all see him again.I will keep you in my prayers for your strength & healing. You are both have a special place in my heart.
Laurie Grzejka (Luberti)
January 30, 2013
To the Bowden family. I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Bowden was a very special man. He helped me through years of medical issues that required medication, with his knowledge and caring heart. I will pray that God bless him and your family.
Renee Fitzpatrick Lemakos
January 30, 2013
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