Ronald Eugene Bowhay

Surrounded by his loving family, Ron passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2011 in Bellingham, WA. He was born in Axtell, Kansas on October 4, 1931 to Victor Wesley Bowhay and Grace Van Verth Bowhay. Their family moved to Whatcom County in 1938 where Ron worked on his family farm while attending school. During his high school years at Mt. Baker, he was an "All County" football player before graduating in 1950. He married the love of his life Winona Louise Hammer on August 5, 1950. He was a devoted husband and father who was an endless source of knowledge. They spent 60 years loving one another, and proudly raising their fives sons. He set a great example for his sons of what it is to be a great man. He was also a gentle hero with unlimited patience who guided many down the path of life with his kindness, love, and abounding generosity. His faith in Jesus Christ and trust in God's will was a pivotal part of every aspect of his life. He was a teacher to us all. Professionally, he worked long and hard, striving always to do his best in every occupation he held. Early on he worked in a saw mill, eventually he became a miner and then a logger, but he spent the majority of his career commercial salmon fishing. He owned and operated several vessels out of Kodiak, AK, including the 'Popeye', 'Summit', and 'Ronnona B.' Ron retired from fishing in 1982 and spent the rest of his life working his 40 acres in Bellingham, WA. While his life was filled with much joy and good fortune he also battled an inordinate amount of medical complications, but always with a smile. In 1962, at the age of 30, he was diagnosed with kidney disease and told he had about a year to live. Ron battled the disease with strong will, unwavering faith in god, and dialysis treatments that began in 1983. Through the selfless gift of a healthy kidney from his loving brother Richard Bowhay in 1986, Ron underwent a successful kidney transplant at the age of 54. In 1988 he suffered a full cardiac arrest, and doctors once again gave him little chance of recovery, but within a month he was out of the hospital. He underwent countless procedures and battled numerous ailments during the rest of his life, but throughout his medical trials many wonderful individuals cared for him. The family would specifically like to thank Dr. Lombard, Dr. Lindenbaum, Dr. Lombardi, Dr. Douglas, Dr. Seltzer, Dr. Doherty, Dr. Locci, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Rubin, Pierce Zemler, PA, and the staff at PCU and in Oncology at St. Joseph's Hospital. While defying the medical odds during retirement, he continued living life to the fullest. He was an accomplished hunter (including a dream hunt on an African Safari), a fisherman, a golfer, a card player, and a bowler. He helped run an antique business with wife Noni, son Tom and daughter-in-law Janet. "Snow birding" in Desert Hot Springs, CA, trips with family to Hawaii, traveling the country looking for treasures, and a 40th anniversary trip to Europe were just some of his many adventures. He is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Grace, his brother Gerald, and recently by his son Tom, who passed away on March 28, 2011 after a battle with ALS. Awaiting us in heaven, Ron is survived by his wife Winona; sons Ken, Dan, Dave and Steve; daughters-in-law Janet, Sherry, Cindy and Heather; brothers Laverne and Richard; sisters Willa Elledge, Shirley Wilburn, and Jean Leavitt; 24 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews and friends. Please join the family and share memories at Immanuel Bible Church on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. 2000 West North St. Bellingham, WA 98225. Memorial contributions may be made in Ron's honor to the ALS Association - Evergreen Chapter or to the Northwest Kidney Center. You may share your thoughts and memories of Ron in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com. Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel