Dr. Raymond J. Bowen

1929 - 2015

CONTOOCOOK – Dr. Raymond J. Bowen, 85, died Friday, June 19, 2015, after a brief illness.

Ray was born in Binghamton, N.Y., on Oct. 13, 1929, the son of Dr. Raymond and Elizabeth (Whyte) Bowen. After graduating Norwich University in 1951, Ray served as a Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corp in West Berlin, Germany. He returned to New York in 1953 to marry Marion (Guggenheim). After several years of military service in Paris, France, Ray and Marion returned to the states where Ray completed Dental School at Tufts University. After graduation they moved to New Hampshire with their four children.

Ray and Marion worked side by side for 38 years at Ray's dental practice in Contoocook. Ray reveled in his work as a dentist and taking care of his patients. He was an active member of the Concord Dental Society before retiring at age 72. He was an avid builder of intricate models and maintained a large collection of radio-controlled aircraft and boats, as well an elaborate miniature railroad. He was a skilled gardener, bread maker, and pastry chef. For many years following his retirement he volunteered for Hopkinton's Dial-A-Ride program.

Ray was devoted to his wife, Marion, who predeceased him in 2014 after 61 years of marriage.

He leaves his daughter, Bridget (Bowen) Abbott and her husband, William of Pittsfield; son, Dr. Matthew J. Bowen of Cumberland, R.I.; daughter, Nora Bowen and her husband, Joseph Gialluca of Bow; and son, Timothy Bowen and his wife, Ann of Medfield, Mass. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Timothy Abbott and his wife, Katie, and Matthew Abbott; David and Daniel Bowen; Lydia and Joseph Gialluca; and Connor, Madeline and William Bowen. He leaves his sister, Mary Bowen Dollard of Concord, as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved crazy dogs, The Babe and Rosie.

A celebration honoring Ray's life will take place on Thursday June 25, at 6 p.m. at The Slusser Senior Center, 164 Houston Drive, Contoocook.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Town of Hopkinton Fire and Rescue Squad.