Joseph Nicholson Bowen

In Loving Memory Of Joseph Nicholson Bowen July 1, 1910 - January 16, 2008 We are grateful for the blessed life of this amazing man, this extraordinary person, an inspiration who brought sunshine and joy into the world for an all - too - brief 97 years. Although he, fortunately, lived a long life, he never got old and maintained a youthful, exuberant spirit and healthy physical condition throughout his life. A person of exceptional character, he lived wisely and well. To him, life was good and he displayed a zest for life. He rejoiced in the beauty of the world and greeted the start of each new day with anticipation and exhilaration. He was always ready to laugh or sing or say something funny. We remember fondly his two-step dance routine, his outstretched hand, his radiant smile, his calm and pleasant disposition, and his witty remarks. He never stopped believing in the best in others and in the world. He enjoyed people and had a kind word to say about everyone. His charming, friendly, and engaging personality endeared him to others, and he brightened our days with his light-hearted, positive attitude and sharp sense of humor. Beneath the exterior was a modest man, who had tremendous inner strength and faith in God and mankind. He had strong convictions, and was serious when there was a task to be done. He believed work was a worthy pursuit, and he was a diligent and hard worker. The words "quit" and "complain" were not in his vocabulary. His motto was "if at first you don't succeed, try and try again". He was the eternal optimist and adapted well to every situation. A gentleman, he had many outstanding qualities, including faith, courage, fortitude, grace, kindness, flexibility, determination, and unwavering unconditional love. He strongly believed in being of service to others and felt it was a person's responsibility to give of oneself to his fellow man. Although he gave unselfishly in a lot of personal ways, he also held leadership positions in various organizations and church over the years. He stayed actively involved in the world all of his life and illuminated the world wherever he was. Even at the end of his life, while hospitalized and critically ill, he lightened the load of medical personnel with his glorious smile, his gentle manner, and his appreciation for them. He was a loving, devoted husband and father, the very best a family could have. He was dearly loved and admired by his family and relatives, who looked upon him as a role model and a source of inspiration, and he had a significant place in their lives. In the following poem, "Recipe For Living", author, Mr. Alfred Grant Walton aptly characterizes Mr. Joseph Nicholson Bowen, who exhibited all of the qualities for successful living described in this poem: Some things a man must surely know, If he is going to live and grow: He needs to know that life is more Than what a man lays by in store, That more than all he may obtain, Contentment offers greater gain, He needs to feel the thrill of mirth, To sense the beauty of the earth, To know the joy that kindness brings And all the worth of little things. He needs to have an open mind, A friendly heart for all mankind, A trust in self-without conceit- And strength to rise above defeat. He needs to have the will to share, A mind to dream, a soul to dare, A purpose firm, a path to plod, A faith in man, a trust in God. What a wonderful man! What a magnificent life! What an inspiring legacy! Simply the best! We will always love and miss you, Daddy. Your children.