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Gary Bowman Obituary
GARY LOUIS BOWMAN MAY 11, 1965 - JULY 19, 2007 Gary died unexpectedly on July 19, 2007 due to a fall he incurred while working on his job and doing what he loved.
Gary was born and raised in Modesto, CA. He attended Modesto City Schools and was a graduate of Thomas Downey High School. Gary's career started at age 16 at a grocery store, but he soon found that his love for the outdoors was his first nature. Gary was a heavy equipment operator for many years taking him as far as southern California. One of his greatest loves was to trim and fell trees. As a young boy he and his brother were taught about trees and then cutting them up for firewood by their father.
He loved nature and the outdoors. His favorite was deer hunting in the Sierras, along with fishing and boating. He loved to water ski with his boat, and he taught his two children Ashley Bowman and Louis Bowman the same love for the water. He would also take his nieces and they would have a great time. He was referred to by them as Uncle Slick''.
His two children were the love of Gary's life and are from Modesto.
In addition to his children Gary leaves his mother and step-father Bridget and Larry Hockenberry of Oakdale, sister Tami Aguirre (Bruno ), of Oakdale, brother Grant Bowman, Jr (Kim) of Dixon; step-brother Jerry Hockenberry, of Ceres, and step-sister Karen Donaghy of Manteca. He also leaves his nieces Marysha Aguirre of Oakdale, Janessa Aguirre of Fresno, Emily Bowman, Sacramento, Katelyn Bowman and Hilary Bowman, Dixon, CA, nephews, Brendan and Michael Donaghy and niece Megan Donaghy, Manteca, and nephew Frank Costa, Modesto. He also leaves behind many friends and loved ones who Gary considered as part of his family.
He was preceded in death by his father Grant U. Bowman, Sr, his nephew Byron Aguirre, and his grandparents, Louis and Beatrice Bernard and Everette and Mary Bowman, and step-father John Bernardotti.
He will truly be missed by all and he always lived his life My Way''.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 26; from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be held Friday, July 27; 9:30 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Committal at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Bowman
Bridget Hockenberry
August 4, 2007
My beloved son. I will always miss you and the smile on your face you brought to each and every person you have ever encountered. I will always see you in your childrens faces. What love you had for them.
Untill we meet again.
Love you, Mom
Sibely Calles
August 2, 2007
We are so sorry to hear about losing such a wonderful human being. Modesto Ajax United Fury (U12 Boys 2006) will always be thankful to Gary for providing us with a field and lights for our soccer practices. He even set up a fire close to the field to keep parents warm during the winter. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.
Toni Chirco-Maples
July 27, 2007
Bridget,Grant&Tami
I'm so very saddened by Gary's passing.I didn't get to see him very often but when I did he always had a big smile on his sweet face. My prayers to you all.
Donna Tyler
July 27, 2007
Bridget and family, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. Donna Tyler
David Maples
July 27, 2007
Goodbye old friend.
We started out together in elementary school as friends, you joined my Mothers Cub Scouts, and we both Shot, Fished and played on your Dad's saw Mill. Your dad let me shoot that 44 and I remember the powder burns. We had BB gun fights and you laughed when I reached into a gopher hole to retrieve a ball and pulled out a gopher on my fingers. But you save the body so they could test for rabies and saved me from some painful shots. All in all some very fun times. I will miss you my friend.
Your family can go to the lake with me any time.
Sue Bryant Hunter
July 27, 2007
Bridgett and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Carolyn Davis (Bettencourt)
July 26, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Gary use to come over to the house to see Steve and he always had a big smile on his face. Keep his memory alive ~ it will help you through these difficult times. God Bless You!
Michelle Stetson-Ram
July 26, 2007
My Dearest Children,
Your father was proud of who you were and who you were becoming as young adults. When he would come over to see us, you could count on a joke or a funny story he had. I will truely miss him. He will always have a special place im my heart. May God hold you tight and take your pain.
Love you,
Mom
Zachary Ram
July 26, 2007
Sister & Broter,
Your Dad was a fun guy. He always let me hit golf balls at the driving range and go to the track to ride the go-cart. I am sorry that he can't be here to watch me ride my motor bike I got. He would of liked it. When he would come over to see you, he always let me hang out too. He was way COOL! Sorry for your lost, I will miss him a lot.
Love your brother,
Zachary
Pamela George
July 26, 2007
Bridgett,Tami,Grant,
I am saddened by the news of Gary's passing. Love and protect his children, I know you will. Take care of one another in your grief and know that even though we don't see one another as often as we did, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family. Love, Pam Bowman George and family
Patsy Bowman
July 25, 2007
Dear GARY
you left us way to soon and I send my love to you and will see you when we all met.
Love Aunt Patsy from San Andreas.
Mary Scott
July 25, 2007
we are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful son. he was a great frind, felt he was always a part of our family. he will be greatly missed by us all Mike,Mary,Tom,Scott and Nancy,Jeffery,and Brianna Amador May GOD be with you and may you find peace with HIM..
Pat / Eric Duarte
July 25, 2007
Bridget and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Chavez Family
July 24, 2007
Ashley, Louis and Family
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers everyday. We are here for you and anything you need just let us know. We love you guys and again we pray for you and your family everyday. May God Bless you, your family and your Dad Gary; as we know your dad is know in the hands of God in heaven watching over you.
RICK BOWMAN
July 24, 2007
WE WILL TRULY MISS YOU GARY.REST IN PEACE COUSIN.TILL WE MEET AGAIN.
Karen Brahic
July 24, 2007
I'm very sorry to hear about Gary.What a shame to have a life cut short.I'm sure he's in a better place.Live every day like it's your last. Karen Brahic (Bernadotti)
Betty Randall
July 24, 2007
Bridgett and Tami,
I was so saddened by the notice you your son/brothers death. My thoughts are with you. Betty
Erika Hardee
July 24, 2007
My heart goes out to his two children and his family who he loved very much. My thoughts are with all of you.
Becky Dentler
July 24, 2007
Dear friends, We are so very sorry to hear about Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary's smile could light up a room and will surly be missed. I remember how excited Louis and Ashley would get when he would pick them up from my house, they couldn't wait to see "their dad". His neice Marysha was no different, when uncle slick showed up to get his kids she had to go too! He is truly loved and will be missed. Our deepest sympathy, The Dentler family
william & steven bettencourt
July 24, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sheryl Graves
July 23, 2007
My heart aches unbelievably for the loss of Gary. We had so many fun times when we were growing up. We were more than cousins....laughing, playing and fighting as siblings do. And as adults, I can still picture in my mind his ready smile, a hug and with a "hey cuz, how's it goin'?" when I came to visit.
I am so very sorry.
I love you,
Sheryl
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