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Hampshire College

Dorothy Bowes Obituary

BOWES, Dorothy (Penny) Dorothy (Penny) Whiting McHutchison Bowes died suddenly Monday, (January 8, 2007) at her home in Paonia, Colorado. Born April 3, 1951, Penny grew up in Tolland, was graduated from the Northfield School in Northfield, Massachusetts and attended Hampshire College. Penny began her working years in advertising in New York City and later in Hartford at G. Fox and Company. In the mid 1970s she established herself in the Denver, Colorado area and switched careers to the Oil and Gas industry, and qualified herself as a "Landman." In the words of a former close associate: "Penny, a Certified Professional Landman, was a successful entrepreneur who pioneered her way in a male-dominated Oil and Gas Industry. As a "Landman" she was integral in the assimilation, sales, and drilling of numerous Oil and Gas Prospects, both as a corporate employee and also as a true independent. Her reputation as an expert landman was universal and unexceeded. A testimonial to her keen intellect was her willingness and ability to tackle the most difficult problems with determination, desire, and success, which she did on a regular basis. Penny was a true 'wildcatter,' in all the positive connotations of the industry term." Penny's most recent work was as a Landman Consultant for the Ute Indian Tribe in Fort Duchesne, Utah. Outside of her working life, Penny had many creative interests. She was a gourmet cook, as well as a talented writer with a wry and whimsical sense of humor. A lifelong, serious musician, she had a lovely, crystal clear singing voice and was an accomplished pianist and guitar player, sometimes performing her own songs. She leaves her brother, James (Wink) McHutchison and his wife, Dianne King McHutchison and niece, Anne McHutchison of Haddam Neck. She leaves her sister Martha McHutchison, formerly of Tolland and her husband Barry Nann of Madison. She leaves a niece, Whiting Dimock Leary and her husband Doug and their daughter, Melina McHutchison Leary of McLean, Virginia. She leaves a nephew, Robert (Toby) Dimock of Bellingham, Washington. She leaves a long list of friends and business associates. She will be severely missed by her dog and travel companion, a mannerly Whippet named Louis. Her family is saddened by the fact that never again will she "Pack the Whippet and head East." Funeral arrangements are being handled by Taylor Funeral Service of Paonia, Colorado. http://www.taylorfuneralservice.com. A memorial gathering will be held there between 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, January 18th. Her ashes will be scattered in the Colorado mountains she loved so much. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to The Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia, or Habitat for Humanity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Bowes

15 Entries

Kelly Christensen-Leonhart

January 9, 2008

My friend. Penny was the most extraordinary woman I have ever known. She was always ready to share her gifts with all of her friends and those she respected, whether it be her amazing grasp of the English language, her musical skills in composing, writing, playing the guitar as well as piano; she was the ultimate hostess complimenting your visit with gourmet cooking, laughter, great conversation; her uncanny ability to identify your perceived weaknesses and help you to turn them into a positive strength; she was a humanitarian, a business professional of unknown heights; she could find a piece of land, develop it and transform it into a beautiful place to live; her oil and gas expertise was phenomenal; I could go on non-stop.

I am so grateful that she was such a significant part of my life. I was blessed by her friendship and I miss her dearly

Kelly Reyos

January 9, 2008

Words can't even begin to describe what kind of person Penny was... Penny came to the Ute Indian Tribe a few years ago and she left a impact that will never be forgotten. I miss her dearly and I am very grateful she crossed my path.
Penny I miss our longs talks about the Doors, Dragons and other mystical creatures, your weekly book assignments and mostly I miss your tests... Penny I truely wished we had more time together and I will continue to keep striving... you are my inspiration... I admire you to this day.

Reed Butler

May 1, 2007

Penny (always Dorothy to me) shared her gifts of friendship and music with me during our time together at Northfield Mount Hermon School. She had a beautiful voice, played the guitar well and chose material that was personal and direct, a reflection of her nature. We did our first professional gig together in Manchester CT and kept in touch for some years after high school, including time recording tapes of her original music. She helped me form who I am, and I am grateful to have been able to share time on this planet with her. Thank you Dorothy for who you are.

Joanna Brown '69 Northfield/ '72 Hampshire

January 21, 2007

Another of Penny's classmates from Northfield School, I was blessed to have heard her sing on many occasions. As the director of alumni relations at Hampshire College from 1991-1997, I reconnected with Penny by phone ten or twelve yeas ago. I loved hearing about her success in a male-dominated profession, a story which I subsequently published in a class note in Non Satis Scire, the Hampshire College alumni magazine. May Penny's courage to forge her own path in life and her generous spirit continue to inspire each of us in our own lives.

Penny and her family members and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dick Hess

January 19, 2007

I am horribly shocked. I met Penny in 1967, when a mutual friend asked me to back her up on a live recording. I was blown away by her performance, and her person. We have been friends ever since, especially thanks to her moving to Colorado a few months after I did (just happenstance, but fortunate for me). She married my roommate - Kit Bowes - thus binding our ties even closer, through thick and thin. In the last ten years or so, we were only in touch around birthdays, but she has remained dear to me. Tonight, I will pull out the old trusty 12-string and try to revive the Donovan song "To Sing For You", which was the highlight of her performance nearly forty years ago.
My deepest condolences to her family, whom I have not seen in a very long time. I think of them fondly, and would love to hear from them.
Penny was truly one of a kind. We were all lucky to have shared her life.
Dick Hess - Denver

Holley Meyer

January 19, 2007

I am so saddened to hear of Penny's death. She was a dear friend and classmate from Northfield. I was a bridesmaid for her and she sang at my wedding. She is gone too soon. Holley Creed Meyer

Carolyn Brown

January 19, 2007

I am sorry to hear of Penny's death. I was a classmate at Northfield School, class of 1969. Although I did not know her well, I fondly remember her beautiful voice and spirit. I send my condolences to her family and friends.

Leslie Robinson Sharp

January 18, 2007

I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Penny's death! She and I were classmates at Northfield in 1968-1969 and sang at the Mount Hermon/Northfield coffeehouses many times. I visited Penny at the family home in East Hartford in, probably, 1969. She was a unique soul. She had a beautiful singing voice, and we sang harmony, I remember particularly, on the great song "The Coming of the Roads". Penny and I saw each other again a few years ago here in Portland, OR, where I now live, and had a lovely visit catching up on all we'd been through since those early days. It was wonderful seeing the accomplished adult she'd become. I send my deepest condolences to her surviving family members and pray her spirit finds eternal rest and peace.

Carol Williams

January 18, 2007

So sorry to hear of Penny's death. I met her (and Louis) while she was doing contract work for Benson-Montin-Greer Drlg. Corp. in Farmington, NM. She was truly a unique and interesting person. I enjoyed the conversations we had in the brief time I knew her.

Esther Kettering

January 18, 2007

I was very shocked and saddened to learn of Penny's sudden death. Penny and I discussed Front Range water rights on several occasions over the past 10 years or so. Our paths intersected during the 20 years that I worked in the real estate division at Coors. I had the privilege of enjoying lunch and meeting with Penny a few times. We had a lot to share. Penny was intellectually rich, beautiful and very pleasant. My brief times with her were very satisfying. Her family has my sincerest sympathy.

Bill Williams

January 18, 2007

Penney was always looking for ways to add value outside of the box. A true entreprenuer and a thoughtful and caring person. She created tremendous positive impact during here life in many areas.

Scott McCollum

January 18, 2007

I met Penny while she was temporarily working at Burlington Resources in Midland, TX as a contract landman around 3 years ago. She was so interesting and friendly as well so much fun to be in her presence. I wish we could have gotten to know each other better, but her time in Midland was brief. We did however go to dinner one night and went to a Scottish gathering as well. We had a wonderful time and I am so saddened of her passing. Penny was so unique and wonderful in so many ways.

Lola & Arlen Hershberger

January 17, 2007

We are very saddened to hear that Penny is gone. I met her in 1980 when we sang together in the Classic Chorale. (I have a very funny and oft-told story that involves her from that era). Penny worked for me in the mid 80's and was a friend I always enjoyed spending time with. When she moved to Evergreen with Mark we visited them often and once cut a Christmas Tree there. When our girls were small, they had a sleepover there one night that they never forgot. . . nor have we forgotten "Homer" the dog that rang the door bell when he wanted to come in.

Last year Lola and I stopped in Paonia to see Penny on our way home from a title job in Delta. It was great to reunite with her and recount old stories. I (we) will really miss her.

Bill Laughlin

January 15, 2007

I worked with Penny at Mobil Oil Corp. in the mid 80's. She took me under her wing as I was new to the business. Her and Mark used to have me up for dinner at their house in the mountains...I'd never been treated so well. Penny was one of a kind and I am truly saddened by your loss.

martha cheshire

January 15, 2007

I only knew Penny for the last 2 years since we have been working for the Ute Indian Tribe in Utah. I came from Houston and she came from Colorado. She was an incredible person whom I will really miss! She inspired many of her coworkers to achieve, whether it was to go to college, go back to school, set boundaries, achieve potential, etc. We went to lunch frequently which of course always involved walking Louis. The Tribe and its people will benefit from Penny's time spent here. I am fortunate to have known her and will really miss her! Bless you.

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