George Timothy "Tim" BOWDEN Ph.D.

BOWDEN, PhD. George Timothy "Tim" a professor emeritus at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and a founding member of the Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, died May 15, 2018 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Diane Bowden, his wife of more than 50 years, was at his side. Dr. Bowden received his doctorate in experimental oncology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He conducted research at the University of Arizona Cancer Center since 1978 and was the Chair of the Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program from 1992 until his retirement. In life, Dr. Bowden was a prolific mentor, and even after retirement he supported UA Cancer Biology students through the Tim and Diane Bowden Cancer Biology Research Fund. Skin cancer was the focus of Dr. Bowden's research and much of his work was funded by the National Cancer Institute's Skin Cancer Program Project Grant, which brought tens of millions of dollars to the UA Cancer Center. Dr. Bowden's lab investigated cancer preventive agents, including drugs that could be applied to sun-damaged skin to reduce skin cancer risk. Dr. Bowden helped identify molecules in the body that respond to UV light exposure; these molecules can change as skin cells become cancerous. He believed that studying how these molecules changed during a cell's journey to cancer could reveal places in the process that could be "targeted" by novel pharmaceutical agents or certain natural products, helping people at high risk of skin cancer reduce their risk. Many UA Cancer Center members started their careers with Dr. Bowden at their sides, guiding them through their educations as a gifted mentor and teacher. In 2007, Dr. Bowden was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a degenerative condition that causes a decline in balance and motor skills. Instead of being sidelined by his diagnosis, Dr. Bowden learned about research showing that certain intense exercises can ease many Parkinson's symptoms. He and Diane served on the founding board of PWR! Gym, an exercise and wellness center for Parkinson's patients, and they contributed to the gym's success in many ways. Dr. Bowden's friends all share fond memories of his love for science and the outdoors, and the warmth he showed to those around him. He balanced his hard work in the lab with his love of outdoor activities. Dr. Bowden lived his life as an example of hard work, discipline and generosity. Tim and Diane were junior high school sweethearts in Cincinnati and married in 1966. In 1978, Dr. Bowden's appointment to the Department of Radiology brought the couple to Tucson, where they made their home and cultivated lifelong friendships. In lieu of flowers, Diane Bowden has requested that donations be made to the Tim and Diane Bowden Cancer Biology Research Fund 877-518-4638 or PWR!Gym 520-591-5346.