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Bruce Stowell Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Roanoke Times.
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Christan stowell
August 10, 2020
Happy Anniversary Day! In remembrance with great sorrow and a heavy heart Dad. Your in Heaven thats the real prize.. love you
Christian Stowell
November 5, 2017
Here's to you Pop ❤ Christian
Linda Stowell
September 12, 2014
My Dearest Bruce, This will be my last entry. It's time for us to move on. September 14th would have been 39 years. How special and sad. The past 5 years have been a mixture of emotions. I've drawn from your strength many times and finally realized that I am strong. I can't thank you enough for what we had, shared and worked for. It is because of this that I am able to share love and life with someone else. Part of my heart and soul went with you. Love never dies....
Linda Stowell
December 30, 2012
My Dear Bruce, another year is about to end. It has been difficult to keep moving forward. I always remember your words, never give up it gets better. The sun is finally starting to shine again for me. I have been given a gift to love again. I know it's because of the love we shared I am able to love again. I thank you for this. Time will never erase all our precious memories. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't thank you enough for our kids, they have been my rock. I love and admire the wonderful adults they have become. I know you are proud of them. Happy New Year Honey. Love and miss you.
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Linda Stowell
September 14, 2012
My Darling Bruce, today is another one of our days. Happy Anniversary my love. I need to share some thoughts with you for no one understood me like you did. Hon, when you died my heart ached as my dearest friend went to a place I cannot yet visit. It felt like a strange place to be without you. My life changed in an instant and I didn't know how to make the pain go away. I wanted to get off this journey. Would someone please wake me. I went through the motions of trying to put my world back together. I acted as if my life would one day have purpose and meaning again, but I lived in utter despair. My life as I had known it, was over. Some days are more of a struggle than others. I take baby steps and try to stay on a path of discovery to heal my life. It sure is different, but I try to keep your upbeat attitude. It is getting better. I know I've said this before, it is because of what we had that I can love again. For this I thank you. A forever love never dies.
Linda Stowell
August 11, 2012
My Dearest Bruce, August 12th, a truly sad day for us. Three years and it seems like three lifetimes. I know it's supposed to get easier but some days just don't cut it. I can play the what-ifs over a million times like hitting the rewind button. The outcome is still the same. I'm just so thankful for what we had, what we achieved together and always being there for one another. William is taking care of us all and doing a wonderful job of it, he is just what you would have wanted him to be as a man. Valerie is such a beautiful lady, she has your sense of humor(fine tuned)she has your outlook and doesn't care what people think. I am so proud of her. I hope you can see how wonderful they are. Amanda is a great person and will always help when I need it, what a special addition she is to our family. Ariana...what can I say about this great kid, she has your lil smirck(I wonder if anyone else sees it)so often she talks to me about you. She tells me about the stuff you two did together and she is so happy she knew you and that you are her Poppy. Oh Hon, how I long for just one more day. For now my memories will have to do and there are so many. I want to thank you for choosing me to spend your life with, it was the ride of a lifetime. I love you more with each memory that I relive. Thank you for our beautiful children. I love you Babe and miss you more than words can express.
Erik Crawford
December 25, 2011
Bruce is still my other dad. He always will be. A wit and sense of humor that was unmatched. I will never forget the humor and humanity of Bruce Stowell.
Linda Stowell
December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas Honey. Life is different now. I'm still trying, you are just a hard act to follow. I can tell you I am smiling more now when I think back on things you said and did. Most days I see or hear something that brings back a memory. What special moments, I cherish them and hope they are always there. I wish you a beautiful day.
Linda Stowell
September 13, 2011
Today is our day. No matter where I go in life or who I am with it will always be our day. My life is changing, I have you to thank for this. The life and love we shared has made it possible for me to love again. I can still be sad, hurt and lonely when I think of you. I'm sure these feelings will always be with me when I think of the what if's. I'm trying to live my life the way you lived yours. Bruce, you had a way of being that was unique to you. Whatever you did you took your time to do it right. You prized comfort and moved through each day as if each were everlasting. Yes my love you were unique. I wish you a Happy Anniversary.
Linda Stowell
August 12, 2011
Honey, I can't believe it's two years. All I knew was that I wanted to go through the rest of my life with you. Our bond and relationship was so incredibly special. Some nights I would lay in bed next to you and would watch in quiet amazement the way your body moved with every breath you took...watching you sleep...listening to every breath. I felt like the most luckiest and blessed lady on earth, experiencing that comfortable feeling of security. That loving bond with you, the man that was a huge part of my life for so long. Some of the simplest things are the most enjoyable. What I miss about you-when you walked up behind me and put your arms around my waist and kissed my neck. Walking hand in hand and talking about the most insignificant, trivial things. Those long looks deep into your eyes. Running my fingers through your hair while you lay your head in my lap. Your scent. The secure and protective feeling you gave me when I fell asleep with my head on your chest. The memories can cut deeply at times, but mostly bring a smile. We packed 10 lifetimes into the one we had together. Call me greedy, selfish, I don't care I wanted more. I Love You my husband, my best friend. I will love you always and forever.
Linda Stowell
April 12, 2011
My Dearest Bruce, today is 20 months. Some days the heart is heavier than others. Not many mornings can I awake and not have you on my mind. A few days ago was one of those mornings then along comes Ariana. She says. it's beautiful out, I wonder what Poppi would be doing on a day like today he loved to be outside on a sunny day always working. I hope all your days are sunny now. I sure look for the sunshine in each day. I Love and miss you.
Linda Stowell
March 12, 2011
Bruce, today starts 19 months without you in our lives. It has been a roller coaster but we are surviving. I am trying to continue to move into the future. One step at a time.
Dawn Halmat
January 18, 2011
Hey Bruce. I don't visit your page often bc it aches my heart so much. I still don't want to believe you're not here. I want to just come over to your house and you are there in the kitchen making a milk shake as if you were always there or out by the pool grilling us some delicious hamburgers. I still can't grasp the concept. You were so special to me and Dillon and my family. I miss your warm and gentle ways. You truly left a stamp on my heart. Hope you’re having an Awesome birthday in heaven :)
I Love and miss you Bruce :)
Dawn Halmat
January 18, 2011
Hey Bruce. I don't visit your page often bc it aches my heart so much. I still don't want to believe you're not here. I want to just come over to your house and you are there in the kitchen making a milk shake as if you were always there or out by the pool grilling us some delicious hamburgers. I still can't grasp the concept. You are so special to me and Dillon and my family. I miss your warm and gentle ways. You truly left a stamp on my heart. Hope you're having an Awesome birthday in heaven!
I Love and miss you Bruce :)
Linda Stowell
January 18, 2011
Happy Birthday Honey. You always loved the thought of getting older. I'm sad that you missed out on this. Today is your day, but in my heart everyday is your day. Oh Bruce, if only I could turn back the hands of time. Miss you so, you will always have a special place in my heart. Love never dies.
Linda Stowell
December 26, 2010
Merry Christmas Honey. I didn't forget, just had a real rough time getting through. I was surround by our children, family and close friends. I love them all but it wasn't enough to fill the void left by you. I miss you.
Linda Stowell
December 12, 2010
Oh Bruce the numbness is wearing off and I'm starting to feel, this hurt runs so deep. Everything we did together was so much fun, work or play. Alone it's just a chore. In the middle of the holidays now and I'm going thru the motions of saying and doing all the right things, at least I think I am. I know I am being selfish, you have to move on, but I need to keep feeling you close to me. Would you still be here if you could?
Linda Stowell
November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving Honey. Be with us today.
Linda Stowell
November 21, 2010
Hi Honey, Thanksgiving is days away, second one without you. It will never be the same. These are just some of the things I am thankful for and miss with you. Holding hands, lying tangled up in sheets while sharing secrets, sharing conversation after work, falling asleep to the beat of your heart or the whisper of your voice. You enriched my life in so many ways. You will be forever in my heart.
Linda Stowell
October 16, 2010
Honey, I'm still trying. It has to get better, doesn't it?
Linda Stowell
September 14, 2010
My Dearest Bruce-Today is our day, always will be. Honey it doesn't get easier...I may not like it but I am learning to live with it. I miss the little things you did. The notes in my wallet, lunch box and hidden around the house. Pulling in the driveway after work and seeing you doing something outside. Making a meal and cleaning up together. Shopping. Our special Saturday mornings. Our secret breakfast spot. The look, our hand signals, our phrases. You and Ariana riding on the mower and planting sunflowers. Curled up in bed with her talking about our day and planning tomorrow. The way you loved animals and cared for them. How you could make each person feel so special. Your zest for life and how you gave everything you did 150%. Your smell. The empty side of the bed. Your laughter. Your music and singing. Your hands, that did everything with love, kindness and compassion. Your smile. I just miss you and what we had. In my heart we will always belong to each other. Thirty-five years and counting. True love isn't being inseparable, it's being separated and nothing changes. Love You Always, Linda
Linda Stowell
August 12, 2010
Honey, today makes a year without you. It has been a long, hard year, and a year of pain and growth for all of us. I went to sleep last night with a vision of you next to me. I slept like a baby all night, because I was not feeling alone. When I awoke this morning to see if it was a dream, reality hit me that it was only a dream. Even though you're not here and nowhere to be found, my heart says you're still here and everywhere to be found. Bruce, I'm changing,I'm moving forward like we talked about. It is so hard, but your words keep me going. There will never be another you, ever. I have experienced the greatest love of all, and because of you...there is room in my heart for more. You will always hold a special place there for we had it all. My best friend, confidant,and lover. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. And thank you for our beautiful children. Your life had meaning and they are your legacy. Some day in the future my love...your loving wife
Valerie Stowell
August 10, 2010
This is going to be my last entry in this guestbook, as I have tried to write things occasionally during this first year of healing.
Before my father passed in August of 2009, I didn't understand the true meaning of loss. I didn't grasp just what it does to a person and how it changes everything. I could contemplate it, sure, and frequently told myself that I understood it. Whenever someone I knew would experience a death in their own lives, I would think that I knew exactly how they were feeling and I would go through all the typical motions to try to comfort them. I'd say and do all the "right" things and just assumed that with time they would accept it, get over it, move on. That's what I was told was supposed to happen. That's what I thought was supposed to happen.
I sit here now and can't help but have a bitter little laugh over that. It's funny how naive I actually was.
There is no "getting over it". I don't even believe that there's true "moving on". And there is no true acceptance, in my opinion. We will always rebel against the idea of a loved one being so irreparably, permanently gone...and the stronger the love was, the stronger the rebellion will be.
But...you DO learn the live with it. You draw it into yourself...all the pain, all the loss, all the unanswerable questions, all the sadness. It melds with you and becomes a part of you, and so instead of being crushed by the weight of it all, you learn to walk with it. That's what I think happens, now.
These past few months have been difficult for me. I feel like a survivor of some horrible accident, if that makes any sense. I'm standing in the wreckage of what happened, dazed, with the wind knocked out of me, and despite this horrible, awful thing that happened, I'm still alive. My mind, body, and heart have all been put through the wringer but I'm still standing. Every day I wake up, he's the first thing on my mind and there hasn't been a moment that's passed that I'm not feeling that heartache... but I get out of bed still, and I take care of myself, and I take care of the people and things in my life, and I laugh. I smile when I can. I enjoy. It took me a while but...I've learned to live with it.
There are some things I'm still trying to learn to do, though. I'm trying to learn how to talk about him. I can write about him all I want but the minute I open my mouth to speak about him, my throat closes up. My eyes well. My heart races heavily and my chest constricts painfully. The grief, in those moments when I try to talk about him, is absolutely crushing... but I'm trying to learn to get through that.
linda stowell
July 12, 2010
Baby,today is the beginning of 11 months that you are not here with us. They say time heals, well i guess enough time has not past. I can close my eyes and feel you close by, all I can ask is that it stays that way. You understand,and that is all that matters. Forever in my heart. Love you my dear.
Linda Stowell
July 4, 2010
Hey Baby, how are things going with you. Missing you like crazy today. No one seems to understand. If only I could turn back the hands of time. Doesn't work that way though. Oh Bruce this sucks without you here. I love you so much Honey.
Linda Stowell
June 11, 2010
My Dearest Husband,Tomorrow starts 10 months without you by my side.I thank you with all my heart for sharing this journey called life. I'll be forever grateful that I was blessed to be your wife, grateful to have held your hand, to have loved you throughout the years, amidst life's joys and challenges, in times of happiness and tears. Blessed to have built a life with you... There's not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Not a day goes by that I don't miss you... I love you with all of my heart. I will always love you.
Linda Stowell
June 1, 2010
Hon, really have you on my mind alot the past couple of days. Life was so much simpler with you here. It's the little things that I miss about you that hurt so much. So many changes taking place in all our lives, don't understand yet why. Watch over us all. I thank God I have Will and Val in my life I need them so much to help keep me going. I thank you for our two beautiful children, they mean the world to me.I love and miss you so very much.
Linda Stowell
May 6, 2010
My God, can I relate to what our wonderful daughter says and feels. It's so hard to go on without seeing your smiling face each day, but in my heart is a precious picture of your smiling face. Your wonderful memories will live forever in our hearts. I would have loved more. My special guy. I Love You Brucie.
Valerie Stowell
April 29, 2010
Daddy I miss you very much today. I think I am going a little crazy sometimes. Wish you could help me. I am at this weird place now where when I look at pictures I calculate... and it's maddening.. oh my god when I took this picture my Dad only has one year, four months and seven days left... It kills me. Other days or moments I look at a picture or hear a song and I'm just like "my father is dead." and I lose it all over again, and I lose you all over again. No one could ever understand the relationship we had or how bad it hurts. I feel like I have no one to talk to so I just write as much as I can. Losing you has been so hard on me. Sometimes I feel like I am walking around seeking light after a long period of darkness. Some days I get so angry. I should not have to deal with this. The best way I have found to describe it is waking up one morning and half your body and mind is missing but you are expected to carry on as if you were still normal and nothing happened. Does that make sense? I love you Dad.
Linda Stowell
April 12, 2010
Hey Babe, today starts 8 months. Sometimes it seems like 8 years. Missing you as much as ever. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you. Love you bunches.
Linda Stowell
April 5, 2010
So much in my own little world I forgot it was Easter. Happy Easter Honey. It has been almost 8 months without you. It's been a sad and lonely time for me. I think of and miss you everyday. My heart still breaks and your memory will forever be there. I will love you forever and a day.
Linda Stowell
March 27, 2010
Hey Bruce, sitting home thinking about you. I'm so pissed sometimes, especially at night. I just nearly get to sleep and the bitterness intrudes, then I wake up and relive that horrible experience. I don't think I will ever get over that night, I felt so helpless. I tell people I'm okay, but I think I've never been less okay in my life. I don't want to be like this. These feelings suck. What keeps me going is the kindness we shared to create the love we had. It was so special, beautiful and rewarding. Stay with me always. I need you.
Valerie Stowell
March 15, 2010
hey daddy.. spring is here. the warm weather reminds me of you more than i thought it would. there are sometimes when i am outside and the sun hits my face just right and i can swear that i feel you come up behind me and put your arms around me like you used to. life is never going to be the same without you but as the days go by i am trying so hard to find my own way without you here. i love you, miss you, and know you are around me always. happy first spring in heaven. xoxoxox
Linda Stowell
March 9, 2010
Hey Hon, the weather has been nice the past few days. I pull in the driveway expecting to see you, You know, weeding, cutting some branches, cleaning out the bird bath. All the special little things you always do this time of the year. I'm really trying, it's just so hard. God how you loved this time of the year. The cold leaving and the beautiful warm days to come. I will try and do all your special little things for you, not the same as you of course, but to the best of my ability. My heart is hurting so much, what I wouldn't do to feel you close again. No one will ever understand what we had. It was as special as you are. I miss you so much. I Love You.
Valerie Stowell
February 25, 2010
Hi Daddy. I miss you so much today. Some days its just miserable. Today is one of those days. There are some days where I am doing something and experiencing joy in the little things in life and I feel immense guilt for moving on and being happy when I know you are not here to enjoy the little moments with me. I will always love you and there will forever be a void in my life from losing you. I am trying to live life on eggshells because I recognize that if there is any more hurt or pain.. I'm done. I can't deal with that. When I see resistance coming I put up a wall and shut everyone and everything out. I just can't deal with anything else. There are some days I stand in front of my closet for thirty minutes because I can't make any decisions. Even little ones. This has to get better before I lose it.
Danny
February 24, 2010
Bruce, I never got around to typing anything because mostly, I didnt know what to say. You were the one that gave me advice on so many things and always seemed to know what to say. Ive been thinking about you alot lately, and all I can think about is how i failed at so many things lately. It seemed like you always thought I could fix the little things that came up and called on me for those, Im sorry I couldnt fix so much more. I know theres a plan for everyone, i just needed you to tell me its gonna be ok. I still love you all.
Valerie Stowell
February 15, 2010
Daddy.. there are so many changes in life. I miss you and wish you were here to see them.. I'm happy again and I know you are proud of me. I LOVE YOU!
Linda Stowell
February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day Hon. You will always be my one and only true love. I miss you so much.
Linda Stowell
February 12, 2010
Well today starts the beginning of six months that you are gone. Seems almost hard to comprehend. Life is so different without you here. You were such a huge part of everything we all did. Love and miss you more and more as the days go by. You are forever in my heart. LUVVMD.
Linda Stowell
January 18, 2010
Happy Birthday Honey. You will understand. 32 and counting extra. Wish it could have been doubled. My heart and thoughts are with you always. I love you.
Valerie Stowell
January 18, 2010
Hey Daddy. Happy Birthday today. Been thinking about you all morning. It hasn't gotten any easier but from what I have read, it will. Time is supposed to heal everything so we shall see. I love you. -Valerie
Linda Stowell
January 3, 2010
Hey Brucie, it seems like we are all in our own little world. It hurts and it's not getting any easier. You always seemed to know what to say to make it all better. The void is bigger than a crater. The silence is unbearable. The kids are hurting, and it kills me, can't help myself, how do I help them? I love and miss you.
Valerie Stowell
January 2, 2010
Hey daddy. I have been so depressed since you left. Come home. Some days I can do it. I can wake up and smile and do what needs to be done. Other days, I just don't even want to be around anyone. I run into people who are dealing with little problems and all I can think is... "you don't know what hard is." I miss you so much and I look for a sign everyday. I know this is never going to go away. I love you.
Marilyn & John DeStefano
January 2, 2010
Bruce, here is the start of a new year. Been thinking and talking about you and your loving family over the holiday season. We know everything has changed for them forever and how hard it must be without you. We miss you too. Its still hard to believe we can't pick up the phone and call you. Val is right, life isn't fair
Linda Stowell
January 1, 2010
Well Babe, it's the new year. Love you, miss you, and still always thinking about you. Wondering when it will get any easier. You are always in my heart, I'll love you forever and a day. The new year is for new beginnings, bring them on.
Valerie Stowell
December 28, 2009
Hey Daddy. The new year is almost here. I still don't know how I'm gonna do it. I love you, miss you and not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Life isn't fair...
Linda Stowell
December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas Honey. I just wanted to thank you. You were such an amazing addition to my life. What a wonderful person you were. You had so much to do in the growth of me as a person. I love you so much and miss you even more. You made my life better in every way and for that I will always be grateful. Hope you're having a good time with the rest of the family. I truly miss and love you.
Linda Stowell
December 2, 2009
Hey Bruce, today starts 16 weeks that you are gone. I'm still kinda numb, can't, won't and don't want to accept that you are no longer with me. Missing you so very much. Trying to figure out how to go on. It's so hard without you. I'll love and miss you forever. Hugs and Kisses sent your way.
Linda Stowell
November 26, 2009
Hi Bruce--it's Thanksgiving day. I'll be thinking about you and missing you like I do every day. I sure could use your help with the bird, who will flip it? Happy Thanksgiving Honey. Love you always.
Linda Stowell
November 21, 2009
Hey Brucie, the holidays are right around the corner and words cannot express how much I truly Miss and Love you. I'm trying to find peace knowing that you are in a better place, it's hard. I will always treasure and cherish the years we had together. You have always been a special part of my life. xoxoxo Forever.
Linda Stowell
November 16, 2009
Hi Hon, can't seem to stop thinking about you and missing you. Life is so hard without you here. Together we had all the answers, alone I'm always questioning myself. Hopefully, I'm doing the right things. Are you happy, joyous, and free? I sure hope so. Love and miss you so very much.
Valerie Stowell
November 5, 2009
Hi Daddy. I miss you. In one week it will be three months since you left. I miss you so much. Sometimes when I am home or laying in bed at night I close my eyes and play your life in my mind like a movie. I never thought it would be this hard with you gone. Some days I can do it, yanno. I can wake up and go to work and get myself together. Other days it just isn't happening for me and I just want to lay around and be miserable. Thankfully I have Danny here with me and he helps pull me out of some pretty low times. I would be lost without him here. I just wish you were still here, Dad. It gets so hard when I am planning the wedding. I wish I had known when we went to Hollins to see the church that day that the one time you walked me down the aisle for practice would be the only time that would happen for us. I love you, miss you and think of you constantly.
Linda Stowell
November 4, 2009
Hey Brucie, it's 12 weeks today, weeks sound shorter than months. I've lost some very special people in my life, but you are the toughest. There's a part of me that's missing now. I don't expect that I will ever totally get over it. When I think of how you handled your cancer with a quiet grace, determination and a positive attitude,I just admire you more. Your outlook taught me so much, I'm sorry the outcome wasn't different. I'll love you forever and a day and then some more.
Linda Stowell
October 28, 2009
Hi Hon, can't believe you're gone 11 weeks today. It really isn't easier. I don't understand why Mondays are so hard, it's like starting another week without you here physically and it's hard. I do love and miss you so much. Guess I have to dig deeper and try harder. Don't really know if I want to. I love you.
Shayla Givens
October 2, 2009
Mr. Stowell, I know we only met once, at Alison's wedding, but it was so nice to meet you and your family. I can tell you've touched a lot of people with your warmth, humor and wonderful personality. You will be sorely missed. I was looking forward to seeing you again at Valerie and Danny's wedding next year, but I know you will be there in spirit.
Valerie Stowell
October 2, 2009
Daddy, Happy fall! The season changes are the hardest without you. I think what is so hard is going through everything without you. Danny and I are still planning our wedding and in the back of every thought, plan and smile that we have about the wedding I am always thinking about you not being there for it in person. I know in spirit you will be there but not being able to see the look in your eyes and see you smile kills me. None of us will ever forget that night Dad. When the moments are quiet and life slows down for a few minutes I always find myself thinking of you and playing the "what-if" game in my head: what if I got there sooner? What if this was done differently? Or that? It's a miserable thing to do. I have a picture of you on my desk at work. It's the one of you, William, Dillon and Danny. If I had known at the moment I took that picture that you only had a little more than one year left. I love you Daddy.
LINDA STOWELL
October 1, 2009
HON, from day one when we were told you had cancer-I wanted to reach inside your body+rip the cancer out. I was a jumble of emotions: angry, bitter, hopeful+scared-just like you. We both put on a brave front. What does the future hold? Then we got into our fight mode. I couldn't have picked a better person in my life to deal with all we went thru. I remember our talks about the pity we saw in people's eyes-how I wanted to shake them+say, he's still alive+still vital. The biggest lesson we learned in all our years together was the simple joy of living life. How I wish we could continue on that journey together. Your love for me, our love for each other is the one thing that was bigger than the cancer+bigger than any symptoms that went along with it. Even though you didn't survive, that love is still here. I know that physically you're not here, but to me, you live on in my heart+my thoughts. It's been almost 2 months since I said goodbye to you. cancer changes you. Not a day passes that I don't think about it. There's still a void. But the courage of your battle is with me all the time. I have to dig deeper to have that same courage to go on without you. LOVE, FOREVER + ALWAYS
rachel palahnuk
September 30, 2009
HI , UNCLE "B" Were do i start to say that this is a great loss an amazing man is gone but always will be with me,every time theirs sunshine ill think of you smiling at us .. We had amazing adventures at your house all of them it was always like a animal kingdom . and so much fun being around you you always had all of us laughing with your quirky sense of humor . That was you though that's what we loved about you ,I really miss you and will always think of you : i love you uncle Bruce ..
Linda Parr
September 27, 2009
Bruce, you were my buddy and my friend. You and Linda have added so much to my life. It's because of you that I am here. You introduced me to my most precious love, Curtis, my husband. With out you I wouldn't have the life that I have and the life that I love. Thank you for all you have been in my life. I love you and miss you. I will see you again, Love Linda
Valerie Stowell
September 20, 2009
Daddy, I got my tattoo yesterday. I think you would love it. It is a willow tree. Willows always remind me of you and whenever I see one I smile. I also got your name, Mom's name and Danny's name under the tree. It is a reminder of where I came from and where I am going in life. It was painful but definitely worth it. I know it will be a lifetime reminder of you. God, I wish you could come home. I guess you already are though.. I love you.
Nelson Marti
September 19, 2009
You will be missed Bruce. You were a great friend who always opened your house to me along with Linda whenever I visited from New York. Semper Fi!
Jan Fuller
September 17, 2009
What a loss! We are praying for the whole Stowell family and clan, asking for God's comfort and presence in this time of sorrow.
Alison McCombs (Wendling)
September 16, 2009
What is my fondest memory of Bruce? I don't know - there are too many for me to choose just one. My high school years were defined by the fact that I spent 3 out of every 4 nights at the Stowell home. I was welcomed, loved, and treated like family there. Linda and Bruce have always been like second parents to me and I remember whenever Valerie got flowers delivered to James River, there would be a little basket or set of flowers beside hers for me.
Bruce was an exceptional person who influenced the lives of everyone he met. How could he not? He was so warm and friendly, likeable and honest, and funloving and young at heart. He had that rare ability to make you feel comfortable in an instant and had a heart of pure gold - always willing to help those in need.
I'm happy to have known him and greatful for the time I had with him and his family.
To Linda, Valerie (Boo Boo) and William: I am devestated by your loss and think of you often but take heart, God lent him to you for a little while but took him back because he must have needed him more.
Valerie Stowell
September 16, 2009
Dad, sometimes I get on here randomly throughout the day while I am at work. I think I have a moment where I can't believe that you are gone and I need some kind of confirmation that it's true and I'm not having some horrible dream. I know Mom misses you so much. It's hard to go to her house and you aren't there. I think deep down I always wait for you to walk out of your bedroom and it never happens. Growing up you always told me life wasn't fair and I think this might be my first real proof. I got your fingerprint necklace back from the funeral home yesterday. Mom went and picked it up for me. I am going to wear it as a necklace on my wedding day and every day after that. It will remind me of you always. Daddy I never thought that life would be so hard without you here. I miss you and I am so sorry you had to go the way you did. It wasn't fair and we will never forget that night. I love you so much.
Linda Stowell
September 14, 2009
My Best Friend-today is our special day. Memories are all I have, but it's not enough right now. You have always been the light in my life, and it's kinda dim now. I'll hold you in my heart. L.U.V.V.M.D. LOVE U ME
John DeStefano
September 13, 2009
To my friend - it just seems unreal that you are gone. Life was better while you were here on this earth, and you are really missed. Glad we were able to make good memories together.
Linda Stowell
September 12, 2009
My Dearest Bruce, It's been one month, seems like a lifetime. I hope you have found your place in heaven and believe you have left all your suffering behind. At your funeral I saw all the faces of people you had touched in your lifetime. There were so many people both young and old who had been touched by you throughout the years. All came with love for you and beautiful stories about the impact you had in their life. My story is you left me the best parts of yourself. Our son has your work habits, our daughter has your sense of humor. They both have a strong hold on what matters most in life - family. And I, my dear, have your heart. Thank you for laughter, for consolation, for hope, for dreams, and most of all thank you for your love. ILU2 Your secret admirer, your wife, Linda.
Michele Gesuale
September 11, 2009
To Linda and Family,
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, I know that you will continue to feel comforted and gather the strength by the love and support of family and friends. We are here for you.
And to Bruce, I will miss you. you had an impact in my life, one that i will alway be forever grateful. You and Linda helped me during a major life change. I owe you both so much. my prayers are with you and the family, And i know that we will see each other again.
Howard Duryea
September 8, 2009
To a dear close friend who i will always keep close in my
heart. You taught me alot in the tree business.
I will never forget all the good and bad times we shared
together.You are a good person. i think of you often and
talk about all the memories over the past 40 years.
You will always be close in my heart.
Valerie Stowell
September 7, 2009
Daddy, it's almost been one month since you left us. Sometimes I feel guilty for trying to move on with my life knowing that you are not here with me anymore. I miss you more than anyone will ever know. It sucks. I know I will see you again and I love you, Daddy. Love, Valerie. PS... you better be at our wedding Daddy! xoxoz
John Destefano
September 7, 2009
John and I were just talking about Bruce today, as we do so often, and said that even though the miles separated us, just knowing he is not there makes us miss him every day. From our hearts to yours,
Marilyn and John
Melissa Dejesus
September 4, 2009
I can just close my eyes and imagine us sitting by the deck while you are explaining the different types of wood to me. In addition, you would be firing up the pit and getting ready to make me those special steaks that I loved. You were so genuine and distinguish. I miss you dearly but I know you are at peace. I am thankful for the priceless memories that we shared. Even though you are miles away these memories will always live with in my heart.
Love Always,
Melissa
Christian Stowell
August 18, 2009
To Dad,
I learned a different side of you this last past weekend. the compassionate side, the hardworking side and your sense of humor.
Everyone that I had spoken to had stories of how you were quite a gentleman that always lent a helping hand when needed. You will be missed dearly.
I'm sorry I didnt get a chance to say goodbye you, I love you.
Till we meet again
Your son,
Christian Stowell
August 18, 2009
Our deepest condolences in the passing of Mr. Stowell. We have been through ups and downs throughout the last year, and have always admired the attitude of both of you in all that had to be dealt with. Linda, you were his best friend and steadfast advocate. This was so essential in him receiving the best care available. We appreciated Bruce's humor and kind nature. He was an all-around good guy. We still have some of the last batch of Stowell cookies, and as I ration them out, we "toast" them in fond remembrance of Mr. Stowell. Thank you for placing your trust in us. Sincerely, Rita Neel RN and Dr. Richard Grayson, ENT Clinic, Salem VAMC.
Steve and Jutta Vermeulen
August 17, 2009
Dear Linda,
we were so sad to hear about Bruce's passing. Although we've only known the two of you for a month, we found it so easy to like you and be comfortable around. He had reason to complain, yet he didn't. Instead he cared about others and his reward will be great in Heaven. You are in our prayers. God bless you and your family.
CURTIS AND CONNIE CRONISE
August 15, 2009
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE
FAMILY OF BRUCE STOWELL, I THINK OFTEN
HOW MUCH OF YOUR TIME YOU SHARED WITH THE KITTS CHILDREN. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Trish Atwell and family
August 14, 2009
Linda, Val, Will, and family, Our family will be praying for you, and Bruce. There is no doubt in our mind and hearts he is with our Lord. Bruce had a big heart and would do anything for his family or a friend in need. Our family is here for all of your family if you need anything. All our love and prayers go out to you and your family.
Rick and Debbie High
August 14, 2009
We will never forget how Bruce had the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. Our favorite visual memory of Bruce is standing in front of his grill flipping hamburgers and hotdogs with a big smile on his face. He seemed to be happiest when serving others. Bruce will be missed by all who knew him, especially the family that he loved so dearly. We are looking forward to seeing you again in Heaven. Love to Linda and the family.
Alan Leidecker
August 14, 2009
I will never forget the beautiful smile and great sense of humor Bruce brought to everyone who had the honor of knowing him, a true "gentle-man".
Hollie Mendelowitz
August 14, 2009
I was very sadden to hear of Bruce's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and the family. All my love. Hollie
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