Arthur B. Bowen

Arthur Benjamin Bowen (84) of New Haven, CT, peacefully passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on Sunday, February 5, 2023, after a long illness. Born on October 15, 1938, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to Vera Allen and Hubert Bowen, he was one of 11 children. Arthur attended and graduated from the Montego Bay Boys School.
At the age of 17, Arthur obtained his motorboat operating license and embarked on a successful career in Jamaica's thriving tourist industry. He taught snorkeling, waterskiing, sport fishing, and pursued his true passion for sailing. Eventually, he fulfilled his dream by purchasing his own boat, affectionately named "Tropical Bird." For many years, he operated his charter boat, taking tourists on memorable day sails around the island. Arthur enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and engaging in conversations with them.
In 1963, Arthur was hired by an English yachtsman to join his crew on a sailing trip from Jamaica to England. The journey took them from Jamaica to Bermuda, across the North Atlantic, through the Azores, and finally landing in England in September. This voyage solidified his reputation as a skilled seaman.
Upon his return, Arthur married Emily Watson in Jamaica in 1964 and immigrated to the United States, where he became a US citizen. Emily, a dietician at St. Raphael's Hospital, sadly passed away at a young age. In 1973, Arthur graduated from Apex Technical School in New York and became certified in heating, air conditioning, and appliance training. He then joined the New Haven Housing Authority, where he served for 29 years before retiring. Even in retirement, he continued to work, contracting with local grocery and liquor stores to maintain their coolers and cold storage units. His dedication and kindness endeared him to his coworkers and the tenants he served, leading to lifelong friendships.
In 1981, Arthur remarried Jean Williams of New Haven, and they shared a loving relationship for 40 years until her passing in 2021. They enjoyed numerous trips to the Caribbean with friends and family. Throughout retirement, Arthur pursued his love for the water, engaging in activities such as sailing, fishing, and waterskiing. Jean took joy in watching him water ski barefoot and entertained tourists as he showcased his skills from the beach. He also had a passion for antiquing, particularly restoring furniture, and antique radios. Arthur was known for his diligent work in the yard and home remodeling projects. He adored his stepsons, Guy and Greg, and actively participated in various activities with them, including bowling, tennis, biking, and, of course, sailing and fishing on Caribbean trips.
Arthur was always there for his friends, readily offering his assistance with home renovation projects. He is survived by his brothers, Basil (Emily) Collins of Quebec, Canada, and Leroy Hall of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; stepsons, Dr. Guy (Bonnie) Williams, Gregory (Robin) William; grandchildren, Dr. Guy Williams, II, Ingred Williams, William Williams; special niece, Tracy (Martyn) Philpot; special nephew, Michael Twitty; great nieces and nephews, Faith Ann Philpot, Cameron Twitty and Cory Twitty; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that extend from the Caribbean islands, United States, Canada and Africa. He was loved and will be missed.