Wesley G. Bowen

Wesley Bowen Obituary

Wesley G.Bowen 1924 ~ 2003 Wesley G. Bowen, 79, passed away at home of natural causes September 2, 2003. Wes was born in Barry, South Wales, May 7, 1924 to Fred and Emily Bowen. He was reared in England, receiving his education at the prestigious British school Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He served as a paratrooper in the British military during World War II, with extended service in India. His military service included command positions in both artillery and paratroop regiments. Wes came to the United States in his early 20s, settling in Salt Lake and working in the broadcast industry. He married Lucille Johnson, 1949; later divorced. Although divorced, he and Lucille remained friends, sharing birthdays and holidays together with their children and grandchildren. His broadcasting career blossomed through his years at KSL radio, working as a writer, producer, and director of various programs, eventually serving as Vice President of KSL Public Affairs. His assorted jazz programs, including "Rare, But Well Done" and "Bowen, and All That Jazz" had fans throughout the West, spanning 38 states and even ships at sea. His landmark call-in program, "Public Pulse," allowed him to discuss controversial issues on air with local, national and international celebrities including James Stewart, Sir Edmund Hilary, former British Prime Ministers Edward Heath, Harold MacMillan, and numerous presidential candidates. He won the Utah State Bar Media Award for Outstanding Service in the Interests of Justice Award five times, the Law Day Liberty Bell Award, and numerous public service awards. After leaving KSL, Wes worked on many business ventures, including bio-chemical, auto-finish and golf related products, and poetry and music CDs. He also continued in the broadcast industry with a popular jazz program on KUER. Wes enjoyed most things, including music, history, politics, travel, food and sports; but certainly his favorite things were his family and the game of golf. He spent all birthdays and holidays with his family and was a fixture at his children's homes during all four major golf tournaments and the Ryder Cup. His golf "disease" as he called it, included traveling to Augusta National Golf Club with his boys to enjoy "the Masters." Heaven for Wes was combining family and golf for a round at Wasatch. Wes is survived by his sister, Audrey Beams; sons, Gordon (Barbara), Kent (Becky), Scott (Janene), John (Patty); daughter, Lisa (David) Waterman; grandchildren, Brooke, Amanda, William, Taylor, Connor, Lily, Caleb. Memorial service will be Fri. Sept 12, 2003, 12 noon Garden Park LDS Ward chapel, 1150 E. Yale Ave (1080 S). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Humane Society of Utah, or Choice Humanitarian. The family wishes to thank all who have sent condolences and shared memories of Wes. For example, as Mark Noble e-mailed the family, "One of the things I loved about Wes was his eagerness to dream big. His mind was filled with books to be written, with jazz ballets to be choreographed, with ideas for music, with desires to travel again, as well as with love of his family and friends." A special thanks to Wes' great friends, Gene Minshall, Gordon Hanks, Bob Crawford, Steve Williams and Mark Noble for their love and support. Funeral directors: Larkin Mortuary.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 8 to Sep. 10, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Wesley Bowen

16 Entries

Frederick Ballantyne

February 26, 2020

Shortly after meeting my wife I discovered that she too was a jazz fan. Unusual in 1958 living on the prairies in Saskatchewan Canada. I was astounded as the jazz community where we lived was very small. Not only did Anne listen to Wes Bowen, but she had Bill Evans "Everybody Digs Bill Evans" LP,s. We spent many late nights in the car listening to the broadcast. We are now 81 and 80 respectively and still listen to those records. To meet him in those days would have been a highlight in our lives. He was just the best!
Fred & Anne B

Richard Hardy

April 19, 2018

Wishing I had stumbled upon this site a decade or more ago. Having listened for years to Wes Bowen's eclectic jazz selections and absorbing his encyclopedic knowledge of the genre and glimpses from his personal associations with its artists, I felt privileged to go to his studio to promote Granite High blood drives - on air. I remember aisles of shelves jammed with LP's. The guy just oozed cool from every pore, true to his logo - goatee and shades on the doors of his Triumph. I still return in aching nostalgia to those days, listening to his theme by Red Garland - "Blue Red"- and to many other artists. My whole life has been enriched by exposure to music and musicians beyond the Rock and Doo Wop of that era.

Dennis (Denny) Jump

April 16, 2018

This is SO many years after Wes' passing but I just happened into this page. As many below, i sat up many a night, as a 14,15,16 year old kid listening to his show on 50,000 Watt Clear Channel KSL from my Roseville, CA home ...I LIVED for that program! His shows guided me through Jazz - I learned and I loved, everything about Jazz, thanks to Wes. I still think of you Wes....God Rest you still - in peace and - with Gil Evans' "Out of the Cool" and so many other pieces - I shall remember and be grateful always...

Jeff Stone

January 8, 2017

Wes became a close friend, after I called him many times at KUER, and talked about jazz a lot. We visited occasionally, and had dinner together after the GAM foundation jazz concerts. His take on music was extensive, and his willingness to share his knowledge made him a great teacher. I regret not ever playing golf with him! He heard me play with John Nuslein (bass) in jazz groups; we played at various places in Salt Lake City. Our conversations were always spirited and lots of fun, sharing ideas about jazz, and also about life. Miss you, Wes.

Adela Sussman

October 1, 2003

I listened to Wes almost every night that I was home during the 7-9:00 p.m. hours, until i moved to Idaho 3 years ago. He introduced me to many of my jazz favorites--Bill Evans, Arturo Sandoval, Shirley Horn, etc. His legacy will live on through the music he meticulously introduced us to that enriched our lives. He was my friend, concerned and emphathetic, particulary during the last three years, when our telephone conversations and correspondence meant so much to me. I was privileged to share his love of poetry and music (all kinds). He touched my life and I will miss him very much. My condolences to his family. Adela Sussman

Don Rast

September 26, 2003

After 40 years, I can still hear Wes's closing song played by Red Garland "Blue Red"...thanks for all the sounds Wes. You made a mark on my life as a kid growing up in SLC.

Wes (Weston) Vernon

September 13, 2003

My deepest condolences to Wes's family. Having worked with him for several years at KSL, I came to respect him for his true intellect. He had an ongoing thirst for knowedge and a wide variety of interests. The world is better for his having been amongst us.

Bill Degn

September 12, 2003

Thank you, Wes, for the countless hours of jazz enjoyed throughout these many years.

You will be missed.

Tamara Hauge

September 11, 2003

I loved Wes Bowen's jazz show on KUER, his choice of music, his commentary, and his eccentric personality. I loved his sense of humor, his friendship, his stories, and his dhal soup. We will miss you, Wes.

John S. Beardall

September 10, 2003

The joy of my adolescent life was to connect KSL radio to the 700 watt, 36 inch bass reflex speakers of the Rivoli Theater in Springville and, after the theater closed for the evening, listen to Wes Bowen and All That Jazz until the wee hours of the morning. I cherish what he taught me about Jazz.

Larry Finnegan

September 10, 2003

I so enjoyed the time and discussions I shared with Wes many years ago when I worked at KSL. My sincerest sympathy to his family.

John Tolhurst

September 9, 2003

I was a kid when Wes was keeping me up too late with his show on KSL. It was seldom easy getting up for school the next morning. But, he nurtured in me a life long appreciation of jazz, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you Wes.

James Springer

September 8, 2003

Having worked with Wes in the broadcast industry and played numerous rounds of golf with him, we had ample time to discuss our shared interest in military history. Our discussions would invariably lead to Wes relating some wonderful story from his days with the army in India, or with the paras. I will miss him and extend my sincere condolences to his family.

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