Darl Bowers

Darl E. Bowers Professor emeritus of biology at Mills College, Oakland, passed away at home on January 5, 2011, after a long illness. Born in Fresno, California, on September 23, 1921, he later moved to Berkeley and received his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of California in 1954. That year, he began teaching at Mills College, staying 33 years in an academic community that allowed him to develop his passion for teaching and to participate in many aspects of college life. He relished teaching everything from Anatomy, Ecology, and Ornithology to Zoology. Alumnae remember Darl as a phenomenally knowledgeable, organized, generous and gifted teacher who inspired even non-biology majors. The students and colleagues he mentored valued his integrity and wisdom. He chaired the Life Sciences Department for many years, chaired and served on numerous committees, and facilitated several curricular changes. Darl and close faculty friends were famous (infamous!) for composing and performing silly topical songs and skits at college events. He played guitar and led group singing at Pine Top picnics and invigorated sleepy students in Monday morning classes by teaching them rounds and folk songs. Not only a scientist and teacher, Darl was a true Renaissance man. He was an accomplished carpenter, mechanic, photographer, birdwatcher, cook, sailor, lover of language (sharing with daughters, granddaughters and nieces his delight in Spoonerisms, crossword puzzles, and quirky family sayings), woodworker, cartoonist, fine artist and musician, both vocal and instrumental. For many years he sang in both the Berkeley Chamber Singers and the Oakland Symphony Chorus. Supremely satisfying hours were spent playing violin and viola with friends in various orchestras and string quartets. Anita Aragon Bowers and Darl, married almost 38 years, shared the joys and sorrows of a life blessed and enriched by family and friends. They also shared a passion for teaching and learning, the wonders of the natural world, music, art and travel. Anita, supported by many during Darl's long illness, gives deep thanks to her mother, Florence Aragon of Danville, and to Angela Sims of Divine Home Care, both tireless and compassionate caregivers. Darl was extremely proud of his three daughters from a previous 25-year marriage to Mary-Dee Bowers: George-Ann (Richard Tomaselli), Ondine (Pete Gallatin) and Jeannette (Prasen Bose). He was delighted that they shared his enthusiasm for nature and his aptitude for art and music. He remembered fondly days spent with them at beaches as he conducted research on the ecology of beach hoppers. He cared deeply for his five granddaughters Damiana, Alana and Lia Gallatin, and Tulika and Sagarika Bose, as well as "honorary" daughters Lisa Aragon and Maribel Moheno. He was preceded in death by grandniece Allyson Aragon Fremouw who lived with the Bowers for eight years. His memory will live in the hearts of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Darl will be remembered with admiration, affection and love for his remarkable talents, generosity of spirit, positive attitude, gentle sense of humor, compassion and reverence for life. We will remember his playful smile and the twinkle in his eyes in the stars at night, the songs of birds, the fragrance of trees and flowers, the salty sea air he loved, and in the music, always the music. A celebration of Darl's life is being planned. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Mills College Annual Fund (student scholarships) and sent to Mills College, OIA, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613