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Bret Bowman Obituary
Bret Ellis Bowman passed away in Berkeley, California, on December 23, 2004 at age 39.
Bret was born in Ithaca, New York, on November 23, 1965 and moved to Humboldt county with his parents in 1966. Bret graduated from Eureka High School in 1984 where he was a member of the Eureka High School Band. He was a talented musician who played several instruments and earned the John Phillips Sousa award in high school for his outstanding skill in playing tuba and sousaphone. Bret also was a skilled marksman with rifle and shotgun and won the junior skeet shooting title at Humboldt Trap and Skeet club in 1979. He was a Life (Endowment) member of the National Rifle Association.
On June 27, 1988, Bret was struck by a car while walking along the roadside. As a result of his injuries he has spent the last 16 1/2 years of his life in a coma.
Bret is survived by his mother, Julie Hughes and her husband, Don of Arcata; his father, Greg Bowman and his wife, Susan of Ritter, Oregon; his grandmother, May Ringo King of Eugene, Oregon; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Xercie Bowman and Irving King.
Arrangements are by Paul’s Chapel in Arcata.
No services are planned.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bret Bowman
Bud & Darlene Miller
January 30, 2005
Greg & Susan - We just learned of Bret's passing and although we did not know him, nontheless we are saddened for you. We know he is now in a better place. Warm wishes and love go out to you.
carol norris
January 28, 2005
Dear Julie, Greg, Don, Annie told me the sad but long-expected news, and so from far away after 20 years I send my regrets. Wish we had gotten to CA last June, not just to the SE, then we wed in July, here. Do get in touch, or come visit.
Comforting hugs, Carol and Jyrki
Tony Adan
January 19, 2005
I am saddened by the news of Bret's passing, Bret was a breath of fresh air. Bret had an amazing energy about him, and I will cherish the memories I have from junior high and high school band classes. Marching Band, Symphonic Band and Mixed Ensemble would have never been the same without him. Rest in peace, your friend Tony Adan.
Mervin and Maxine Hanson
January 19, 2005
I do not know what to say. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Diane Adan (Cain)
January 19, 2005
Dear Greg and Julie,
I had no idea of the tragedy that
had befallen Brett. I am so sorry
for him and for you and your families.
Sincerely,
Diane Adan
Robert Wallace
January 17, 2005
Greg,
I was saddened to read of Bret's death. On the other hand it is certainly for the best. That was not a way to live. I will always remember the Sneetch as a really great kid.
Bob
William Wood
January 16, 2005
Dear Julie & Don and Susan & Greg,
We were sad to read about Bret's passing after all these years in a coma. We had always hoped, as you did, that some day he might have come out of it and been able to rebuild his life. We have fond memories of the times we spent with Greg, Julie and Bret during the first few years that we lived here, remembering Bret as the talented and energetic young man that he was during his high school years.
Bill was especially appreciative of the skeet shooting, fishing and hunting trips with Bret and Greg. He also remembers the good times spent claming in Humboldt Bay with Bret, Greg and Bob. These trips usually ended when someone's hip boots filled with water!
We are thinking of you all and send you our love,
The Wood Family: Bill, Brenda, Warren and Britta
Bruce Jessie
January 16, 2005
I am so sorry we lost contact Bret. I will cherish the memories I have of us jamming together in our very first rock band with Joel Krueger on bass. God bless you my friend,Bruce.
June McCartney
January 16, 2005
Dear Greg and Susan
The notice of Bret's death was a sad one. I have thought about him (and you) over the years. Can't find Ritter,Oregon in my atlas. No matter where you are, my thoughts are with you
BOB RICHMOND
January 16, 2005
Greg:
I was very sorry to read about your son. I did business with your parents for years in Eureka, in Henderson Center, across from the Eureka Market, and at Wards.
I'm sure I knew you from your folk's store. It is not easy going through what you did for 16 1/2 years.
Take good care,
Bob Richmond
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