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BORN
1938
DIED
2017
BRUCE BOWERSOCK Obituary
BRUCE HARKER BOWERSOCK, 79, friend to all who met him, explorer of the universe and master of a panoply of artistic styles and disciplines, died peacefully at home in Ona on July 20, 2017, after a valiant battle against long-term illness. Born July 16, 1938, in Baltimore, MD, to his late parents, architect Warren Bowersock and wife Edna (Coles) Bowersock, Bruce was a painter who worked professionally as a graphic designer. His effortless ability to teach art to any student came to the fore in his later life and his influence on his pupils can hardly be overstated. He studied at the Maryland Institute of Art and the Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida and served in the Maryland Air National Guard. Once a wanderer of Fells Point in Baltimore and later an art community anchor and gallery owner in Huntington, Bruce was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church in Ona and was an inveterate reader, animal lover, aviator, and collector of books and cats. He leaves behind a world noticeably less colorful and stimulating for his loving wife, Lillianne (Davis) Bowersock; stepchildren, T.R. Massey (Angela) of Worthington, Ohio, Tyler Massey (Tara) of Malvern, United Kingdom, and Claire Massey of Milton; Lil's sister, Deb Swanson (Jerry) of Ghent, W.Va., and George Davis (Kelly) of Fairmont, W.Va. Also surviving are Bruce's sisters, Barbara Lewis of Baltimore, MD, and Cindy Miller of Frederick, MD. A celebration of Bruce's life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, August 5, 2017, in Bruce and Lil's former art gallery, Watercolor Dreams, 1102 3rd Ave., Suite 104 in Huntington, and also on August 6 at Bethesda United Methodist Church at 12:30 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tri-statecremationsociety.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Huntington or contributions in Bruce's name for Bethesda United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for BRUCE BOWERSOCK
John Rohde
July 22, 2024
A fine and generous person. John Rohde
Gallery in Second Chance (Baltimore)
Nancy Graboski
July 29, 2017
Framed "napkin art" by Bruce Bowersock
Nancy Graboski
July 29, 2017
Art encounter with Bruce and Lillian described
Nancy Graboski
July 29, 2017
Write up for Bruce Bowersock, displayed in Gallery
Nancy Graboski
July 29, 2017
"Napkin Drawings" by Bruce Bowersock 7/29/17
Nancy Graboski
July 29, 2017
BruceGallery at Second Chance in Baltimore 7/29/17
Nancy Graboski
July 29, 2017
Second Chance (Baltimore)
Nancy Graboski & Mark Armstrong
July 29, 2017
Lillian,
I just tried to send an email to Bruce, as I came across "napkin drawings" today in Baltimore at a company called Second Chance. It was so touching and memorable, I thought you and he would get a chuckle out of it. As I tried to search online for a correct email address, I found that Bruce had passed just more than a week ago. It must have been his way of reaching some of his friends here in Baltimore by guiding me to this gallery. Mark and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family. I've attached the photos I took today of some memories he left us, reflecting on how he touched so many lives in unexpected places with his art and soul. He will be sorely missed.
Cheryl Hinshaw
July 26, 2017
Such a kind soul. He will be missed. My condolences to you Lil and your family.
Ken Fergus
July 24, 2017
He will be sorely missed, he was a great man and teacher. He was the first artist I met that took an interest in my work and helped me achieve membership in the Tri State Art Association.
Patricia Blake
July 23, 2017
Lillian, I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Bruce personally but I worked at the Cabell BOE and I remember you as a sweet caring person. May God bless you during this time and may you find peach and comfort through his love. Patty Blake
Sharron Swann
July 23, 2017
So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. My thoughts are with his family.
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