PAUL EDWARD BOWMAN

BOWMAN, Paul Edward Jr. Age 58, passed away from a drug overdose on November 22, 2021.

Paul was born in Boston, MA, and grew up in Brockton, MA where he attended Cardinal Spellman High School and continued his education at Mitchell College in CT and UMASS in Boston. Paul lived most of his life in Quincy, MA.

Paul spent his time as an advocate, advisor, member, and volunteer for numerous organizations and research initiatives focused on reducing stigma, treating addiction, and preventing overdose. Paul fought to be sure the patient's voice was heard at every table where addiction work was taking place, stating, "nothing about us without us." He served as the Chapter Director of MA National Alliance for Medication Assisted (NAMA) Recovery and NAMA Board of Directors. He was a Certified Methadone Advocate and Recovery Coach and conducted trainings to encourage patients and others to become Certified Medication Assistant Treatment Advocates. After over 25 years working on housing and homelessness at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, with his last five years as a regional supervisor, Paul became a peer recovery coach in 2015, first at Massachusetts General Hospital and then at South End Community Health Center and Boston Medical Center.

Paul was the voice of recovery for those without a seat at the table, for the many lives we have lost, and for the many that continue in anguish every day. Paul used his passion, commitment, and empathy to make a difference for others. He fought this battle every day. He dedicated his life to treating this disease, giving others a hand up, addressing injustice, normalizing, removing stigma and barriers that cost us dearly. Paul was a true leader who was vested in the good of others. Paul's LinkedIn profile states, "I hope that I have made a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I always try to bring compassion and respect to every family I work with." Anyone that has been touched by Paul knows that he did this every day.

An avid lover of animals he spent his free time with his Great Dane, Natalie (Bow) at Dog Shows throughout New England. When he was not with Natalie he was with his Clydesdale Nellie providing carriage rides throughout the streets of Boston.

Paul is survived by his loving parents Ellen (Concannon) Bowman and Paul Bowman of Brockton, MA; his sister Lynn Bowman and her husband Damon Mayers of Norwell, MA and his sister Donna (Bowman) Cannon and her husband Daniel Cannon of Eastham, MA. Paul was the loving uncle of Derek Cannon, Aaron Mayers, Conor Mayers and Jillian Cannon.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Visiting Hours on Tuesday, November 30th, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, in the Cartwright Funeral Home, 419 N. Main St. (Rt. 28), RANDOLPH. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 1st, at 11:00 AM in the Cartwright Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: The Paul Bowman Memorial Fund for Housing Support at Boston Medical Center, in memory of Paul. Contributions can be made at http://bmc.convio.net/goto/paul_bowman You can also mail donations to Boston Medical Center - Office of Development, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st Floor Boston, MA 02118. For checks, please include Paul Bowman Memorial Fund in the memo line.

The Great Dane Rescue of New England at gdrne.org or mail donations to Great Dane Rescue of New England at PO Box 10083, Cranston, RI 02910.

For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, please visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com