Dr. Bowen Theodore Ph.D.

Dr. Theodore Bowen, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Physics and Radiology, University of Arizona, Dr. Theodore Bowen passed away Thursday, February 19, 2015. Ted, son of Harvey and Sylvia (Turner) Bowen, was born March 19, 1928 in Evanston, IL. Growing up as a child in Winnetka, IL; Seattle, WA; LaGrande, OR; and Wilmette, IL; he was always fascinated with science and radios. His formal education and degrees were extensive including a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago in 1954. During his career, he worked and collaborated with scientists from all over the world. His research and experiments included studying high energy interactions at 17,000 feet at Mt. Chacaltaya laboratory in the Andes in Bolivia; high energy particle experiments at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; and research at NASA's Goddard Space Center in Washington, D.C. He taught at Princeton University as an Associate Professor and in 1963, moved to Tucson to become a tenured Professor at the University of Arizona where he remained until his retirement in 1993. During his many years at the U of A, Dr. Bowen was a brilliant and devoted physicist teaching and conducting research in experimental cosmic rays, elementary particle physics, and medical physics. Even after retirement, he continued his pursuit of new and exciting discoveries, consulting with many scientists as well as former graduate students. In March of 1961, Ted married the love of his life, Lillian Ann Neill (Alter). Ted's marriage provided him a readymade family to include Ann's son, Warren. Their family would later expand with the birth of two wonderful granddaughters, Katie and Amanda. He enjoyed the role of Dad and Granddad, and was always there for his family. He was blessed with his latest title, Great-Granddad, with the birth of a great-grandson, Brayden, in 2012. Ann and Ted celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary a few months prior to her death in 2012. Ted shared in many family activities; holidays and birthdays were always fun times. As a member of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), he also shared a special bond with Warren, Warren's son-in-law Rich, and great-grandson Brayden. Each of them have proved their direct lineage to Patriots who served in the Revolutionary War. Ted, a strong supporter of the NSSAR, was a Life Member, a George Washington Fellow, and a contributor to the Center for Advancing America's Heritage. Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; and brother, Howard Bowen. He is survived by stepson, Warren Alter (Nancy); granddaughters, Katie Alter and Amanda Arndt (Richard); great-grandson, Brayden Arndt and sister, Mary Kelley of Chiloquin, OR. Per his request, no public memorial service will be held. The family will hold a private family inurnment at a future date. For those wishing to remember or honor Ted's memory, we suggest a donation to your favorite charity in his name. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.