Donald Bowers

1927 - 2014

Donald Bowers, 86, a resident of Upland for 65 years, passed away on April 2, 2014 in Reno, Nevada, where he recently moved to be near his daughter and son-in-law.

He was a teacher for 34 years, beginning his career at Upland Elementary School, continuing at Upland Junior High. Later, he taught choral music and world history at Azusa High School, moving to Alta Loma High School a few years later, from which he retired in 1986. He was an inspirational teacher for many of his students and fellow performers. He performed in many musicals and operas in the Inland Valley. His favorite role was Don Quixote in "Man of La Mancha." He was also baritone soloist at a number of local churches, most recently for 20 years at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Pomona. He also sang in many chorales in Southern California.

In 1971, Don took a sabbatical from his teaching job and spent a year in Europe with his wife Bunny, travelling and taking music classes at an extension of the University of Oregon in Stuttgart, Germany. He also spent two summers in Santa Fe, New Mexico singing with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale. He and his wife enjoyed travelling throughout the United States and Europe.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet Toti (Dominick), of Sparks, Nevada and Carol Bowers (Sherri Jordan), of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his brother, Gary, of San Marcos, California; four grandchildren: Joanna, Jeff, Fred and Leanne; and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Pomona on Saturday, May 10, at 11 AM. Donations may be made to the Special Olympics or the American Cancer Society.