Alister BOWEN

I only learnt the news today of Alister's death last year and am so saddened by it. He was a lovely person, a passionate archaeologist and innovative researcher who I remember giving a wonderful public lecture at Lake Entrance on his research for the Victorian Heritage Council many years ago. My thoughts are with the family.
Keir Reeves

Really sad to hear this just now, as I have always had a pleasure to know him and communications post uni were good and encouraging. At Uni his lecturing to me single handedly swayed me towards the then subject matter, Archaeology of Aboriginal Victoria, for my thesis the following year. As his passion and subject content and delivery of it I will always remember fondly, as well as his willingness to engage with us afterwards. Thank you Alister and see you on the other side.

Dear Carol, Samm, Harriet and Hugh
We are saddened to hear of Alister's passing. He was such a gentle, caring man who will always be missed by us all.

The world is a sadder place without such a wonderful, playful, vital man. Deepest sympathy to both families, especially Carol, Harriet and Hugh. RIP Big Al. Anne, Micaela and Isabel Nisbet

I am shocked & extremely saddened to hear of the loss of Big Al (Champ) as he was called by his mates. Al I am sorry I did not get to say good bye. You have and always will be in my thoughts. You have touched the hearts of so many people in so many ways. You truly are The Champ. My heart goes out to your family & friends at this time.

Very sorry to hear the news - he was a lovely, intelligent, modest guy who did some really impressive research.

Alisters calm, cheerful presence, his work ethic and sense of humour, made him an excellent colleague at La Trobe all those years ago. Im deeply saddened by this news.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Alister's passing, he truly was one of a kind and an exceptionally generous person. I feel lucky to have known him as a fellow archaeologist and friend. I will always remember the banter that came with a conversation with Alister and the general swapping stories about work, family and life that often ensued. Thinking of Carol, Harriet, Hugh and Samm in these difficult times. Alister - you will be sorely missed by everyone who knew you.

So terribly sad to hear this news. I have fond memories of studying and working with Alister at La Trobe. I will always be in awe of his ability to parent and work with such generosity of spirit.

My condolences to Carol, Harriet, Hugh and the Bowen family. Alister was a great man and he was so proud of you all with so many stories to tell. Terribly saddened at hearing of his passing.

I met Alister on my first uni archaeological dig in 1998. I can't believe it was 20 years ago. Throughout this time Alister was a generous, loyal and upstanding friend. He always had an excellent yarn to tell, his enthusiasm for adventure and love of his family always radiated through. He remains one of the best people I know. My heartfelt condolences to Carol and and the family.

Dear Al
We will all miss you. We have such fond memories of Harriet and Hugh's birthday parties and your crazy antics. The archaeology world has also lost a great practitioner. Our thoughts are with Carol, Harriet and Hugh and all your family. We'll miss you. Annie, Charlotte and Jason

I was so very much looking forward to working with you again Alister on upcoming new projects - I recall fondly trudging through the rain with you at Canyonleigh 18 months or so ago and discussing microliths... 6 months later there was the Mittagong project and we exchanged opinions on the 19th Century Chinese gold rush occupation of that site... your knowledge and passion for archaeology was very inspiring. My thoughts and sympathies go out to your family at this time of tragic loss.
Michael at LandTeam, Bowral

You were one of a kind Al ,
You were inspiring in your achievements
You brought positivity to all situations
Your sense of humour and warm friendship to so many, will never be forgotten
My heartfelt condolences to Carol , Harriet, Hugh
and to Barbara and the Bowen family
we will miss you Al

Heartfelt condolences to the whole family. Alister was a treasured member of the Canberra Archaeological Society, bringing his considerable skills in field work to our events as a volunteer, assisted by the very capable Harriet and Hugh. Alister's presentation to the Society of his work on the archaeology of the Chinese fishing industry was superb, even impressing the late Prof John Mulvaney.
The archaeology community is certainly impoverished by his passing and we mourn a great mate, friendly and unstinting with his mentoring. He was a great role model as a father, inspiring parents to include their children in the mysteries of archaeology. Vale Alister, we'll miss you.
Helen Cooke, former President of the Canberra Archaeological Society.

The world has lost a special guy. The archaeology community will sadly miss Alister. My thoughts are will all his family. Jodi and Murray.

The world has lost a special guy. The archaeology community will feel his loss greatly. My thoughts are with Alister's family.

So sad to hear of Alisters passing a wonderful young man
Our thoughts are with you all
Robert and Anne Bruce