BOWLUS, Dr. Lee H. In loving memory of Dr. Lee H. Bowlus. Dr. Lee Bowlus of San Diego passed away quietly in his home after a brief illness on October 24, 2016. He is survived by his sister, Betty Huber, and brother, Bruce Bowlus. Lee was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he spent the first ten years of his life before moving to Centerville, Ohio. Lee graduated from Ohio State University and attended University of Toledo Medical Center. Lee moved to San Diego after medical school and completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego in 1984. From the day that he arrived in San Diego, he knew that he would spend the rest of his life there. After completing his residency, Lee became a staff member of the San Diego VA Psychiatry Service. For more than 32 years, he contributed to the VA with his clinical knowledge in psychiatry, his sound counsel to colleagues and his commitment to Veterans' well-being. He approached every evaluation with a calm demeanor and unbiased attitude. Not only was he recognized for his professionalism, he was known for his kindness and selflessness. Dr. Bowlus dedicated his entire professional career with the San Diego VA caring for Veterans. In addition to his professional life, he enjoyed traveling and cooking. He has been able to travel extensively around the world and maintained close friendships both at home and abroad. Lee will be missed by friends and family. You are invited to join the family at Lee's home Saturday, November 5thfrom 2:00 to 5:00 to share your memories of Lee in celebration of his life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Nov. 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee BOWLUS

26 Entries

William F Rasschaert

March 12, 2024

Yes, I knew. Lee and he was a nice person to me. We had a lot of fun together and when my friends talk about summer camp I immediately think of Lee and all the fun things we used to do there for that special time in August every summer. It was an honor to know him and I hope he's resting in peace. I'm sure he is.

Max Willadson

March 10, 2024

I moved from San Diego in 1996. I moved there as a nurse in 1989. I was a nurse raised in Iowa. I didn´t know hardly anyone in San Diego. He took me under his wing, and remained a dear friend. He opened up his home, pool, and prepared all those wonderful meals for me. We would bond over homemade macaroni & cheese or fried chicken from our Midwest background. When I moved away we stayed in touch, and I visited when in San Diego. I lost touch, and never could reach him. I found out several years later he had passed. I´ve been thinking of him with his recent birthday. Today I found this. My hope is this reaches his sister I had met. Your brother was amazing. I will never forget him.

Susan (Snyder) Sheets, Beavercreek, Ohio

September 18, 2023

I am getting ready for my 50th class reunion in Centerville, OH. Lee was one of the best friends imaginable. Sorry I just saw this.

Darrell Little

March 14, 2022

Lee was a friend many years ago....we lost touch.
Here it is many years later and Im looking him up. I almost died in 2016 too from aortic disection and to realize he didn't make it rips me apart. Lee was the best.
Regrets. Thanks Lee for all you were and did.

Tom Ross

November 11, 2016

Lee never came to our house empty handed. He always carried a loaf of banana bread or a jar of pickles or barbecue sauce or a tray of lemon squares or brownies. He was like our favorite uncle--except he was younger than we are! And he was generous with his kind advice and knowledge when we had to deal with our own families' illnesses and death. Always professional, and always kind.
We left the state a year ago but kept in touch until recently. We didn't know of his illness and worried at his silence. This is such a blow, so unexpected.
I hope he's making peach chutney for the multitudes now and getting the glory for it. We will miss him.
Tom Ross

Tom Lombardo

November 11, 2016

We are in shock to learn that Lee has passed away. We knew him as a wonderful and dear friend for many years when we lived in San Diego. It seems like just a few months ago that we were chatting on the phone and he was asking how things were going in Florida. And funny as he was we're certain he was rolling his eyes as he asked again and again "Why the heck did you leave sunny San Diego for the hot muggy summers of Florida you knuckleheads?" But that was Lee-- knower of all and one of the smartest dry humorists we ever knew. But we didn't know anything was wrong. We are so sad. We will always be grateful for his gifts of homemade BBQ sauce, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, pies, banana breads, lemon bars, and more. And he was always so proud to have held the title of best Margarita parties in the woods of Pennsylvania every end of summer. But mostly we appreciated his wit, his humor, his gentle way, his love for travel, his concern for others, and his friendship. He was just a very nice man. And we will miss him. Tom Lombardo & Little Tom

ERNIE KOTSOS

November 7, 2016

Dr. Bowlus was a mainstay at the clinic where I work, he was always on time and quite a warrior when it came to getting through a day. I had a few conversations with him, but they were generally pretty quick as he was a more reserved type of person. He helped me secure some care for my son, and for that I'm very grateful. I'm very sorry to the family because the time from his illness to his passing went very quickly.

November 6, 2016

xxxxx

Luanne Murany

November 6, 2016

Grieve not, or speak of Lee with tears.
Instead laugh and talk of him as if he were beside you.

So many of us blessed in knowing
this wonderful man.

Gone, but never forgotten,
he will eternally remain within our hearts.

Dear Lee, my friend,
I dropped a tear in the ocean today.
The day someone finds it, will be the day I stop missing you..

Mary Ladd Ross

November 5, 2016

God Bless, My friend and coworker. "Mother" Mary

Bill Cunanan

November 5, 2016

Condolence to the Bowlus family. May Lee rest in peace.

Dan Sewell

November 5, 2016

I regret that a business meeting requires me to be in Washington DC today. Although I cannot be with you all in person to remember Lee and to celebrate his live, I would like to share through this electronic pathway that Lee was a role model to me (and to many others) in multiple areas: as a caring, compassionate gifted clinician, as an enthusiastic, inspired and effective teacher and as a kind, generous and welcoming person. He will be greatly missed but I am comforted by my awareness that his knowledge, values and perspectives will live on in the hearts and minds of the many indiividuals who were fortunate to have spent time with him.

Nancy Bazzetta

November 4, 2016

Your work at County Psych Hospital showed your dedication to help others in need and was also a favorite by staff in EPU. Time to rest.

November 4, 2016

Dr. Bowlus

We miss you (The McCauley Family, we will continue to pray for your family and friends.

Thanks for all your advise/talks and friendship.

Good bye,

Mal

Matthew Carroll

November 3, 2016

Lee was a wonderful doctor. He was kind and caring. He was a wonderful professional man who will be missed greatly. I worked with him for many years. He left a lasting legacy, and he touched numerous lives. Lee made the world a better place. He is now in peace.

Dale Willoughby

November 2, 2016

I met Dr. Bowlus while I was working for Comp/Pen OPC. We used to challenge each other with Recipes. He tried my Greens and loved them. I tried his Jalapenia Jelly with crackers and cream cheese. I am going to miss him tremendously. He was so professional and always smiled. The world will miss this GREAT man that God created. Lee, I know the angels are rejoicing regarding your return to home. RIP my FRIEND.

Rebecca Grossenbacher

November 2, 2016

My deepest condolences to Lee's family. I met Lee over 20 years ago through mutual friends. I have such great memories with lots of laughter. I will miss Lee and the surprise he cooked and brought with him every year for my Christmas parties!

Susi Guidi

November 2, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about Lee. I have known Lee for 30 years. I was his barber. I will miss him greatly and especially his carmels. ❤

November 2, 2016

We have known Lee for many years and enjoyed numerous fun times together on our summer retreats. We will never forget his humor, friendliness, creative mind, and his love for his friends. We know we meant as much to him as he meant to us. We are heartbroken he has left us so early, but we will carry his memory with us always, and every summer will raise a toast to our dear friend.
Ray and Steve

William F Rasschaert

November 2, 2016

I just wanted to say how sad his passing is to me and that I know he will be with us now and forever.I am glad I had the opportunity to meet him and share many conversations with him into the late night on many occasions. RIP Lee, you will always be remembered and a "resturant incident", will cause me to laugh and think of you. God Bless you Lee and keep you.

Brian Ballone

November 2, 2016

We were blessed to have known you. A summer will not pass without thinking of you. Thank you for the memories. You are never gone while you remain in our hearts.

Lunch and lots of laughter June 2016

Jim Jacobs

November 2, 2016

I met Lee 14 years ago while on vacation at a resort in PA. We became friends and have enjoyed many years of fun and adventure! I'm going to miss our fun conversations and his cooking! I still cannot believe he's gone! My sincere condolences to his siblings, family & friends who I all know are having a very tough time! Feeling heartbroken.

November 1, 2016

TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS;

I am sorry for your loss,may the promise at ISAIAH 35:5,6,give you comfort and hope in the days to come.

Sincerely,
C.J.~Illinois

Carla

November 1, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help the family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13

Julie Gerspacher

November 1, 2016

Because of this holy day of All Saints, I believe Lee is reunited with his amazing parents, Joseph and Nancy Bowlus, of Centerville, Ohio. God bless.

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