Dr. George N. Bowers Jr., M.D.

1926 - 2015

Dr. George N. Bowers Jr., M.D., of Hartford, CT passed away peacefully at home in his 90th year on August 16, 2015. George leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication and service to medicine, his family, friends, community, church, and country. George was born the oldest of three siblings in Hartford, CT on January 19, 1926, to George and Phoebe (Green) Bowers. Dr. Bowers grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Hall High School in 1944, then served in the Army for his country as a member of the 242 Infantry Regiment in the 42nd Rainbow Division in the European theater. After two tours of duty he met his bride Myra while they both were attending Colby College in Waterville, ME (B.A. 1950). He attended Yale University School of Medicine (M.D. 1954) and became Board Certified in Internal Medicine following his residency at Hartford Hospital and also completed a fellowship in Clinical Chemistry at the Pepper Laboratory in Philadelphia. Combining his love of medicine and chemistry he began his 42 year career as Director of Clinical Chemistry at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Bowers impacted medicine through clinical chemistry at the local, national, and international level by establishing laboratory standards and teaching post-doctoral fellows. He published over 200 peer-reviewed articles, was a Professor of Laboratory Medicine at the University of CT School of Medicine, served as President of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (1974), and was an expert panelist and chairman of numerous working groups as a member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemists. In his youth he enjoyed spending summers at his grandfather's farm where he developed a love of agriculture. George spent many hours in his gardens and shared his enthusiasm with others. He also enjoyed being a vintner and even used his homegrown grapes to make his wine. He was a long-term member of the First Church of Christ Congregational in West Hartford, CT, where he served as a Deacon and chaired a Pastoral Search and a Pledge Campaign committee. With Hartford Habitat for Humanity, George participated in the renovation and building of over 60 houses as a volunteer and site leader. Dr. Bowers is survived by his wife of 65 years, Myra; their 4 children; Barbara and her husband David Palten, William Bowers, John and his wife Karen Bowers, and, Peter and his wife Jean Stadalnik; 8 grandchildren, James Palten, Elizabeth Ploof, Emily Palten, Kathryn LaCelle, Caleb Bowers, Zachary Bowers, Perry Bowers and Miranda Bowers; 1 great granddaughter, Ada Ploof. He is survived by his sister, Gloria Gill and was predeceased by his brother Richard Bowers. Dr. Bowers' family celebrated his life at a private memorial service in accordance to his wishes. The Family wishes to express their appreciation to Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care, Visiting Angels, and the Staff and Residents of Avery Heights/Noble House for their caring and kindness. Donations can be made in his memory to either Northeast Organic Farming Association, CT NOFA, 126 Derby Avenue, Derby, CT 06418; or Hartford Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1933, Hartford, CT 06144-1933. For online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com