We lost young Joesph Mark Bowen on March 11, 2008 at the age of 20 years. Joe was born on October 14, 1987. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on the Swinomish Reservation and was a member of the congregation.
Joe was born a gifted child learning to play baseball before he could talk, watching his Dad’s and Uncle’s games. Born old, Joe lived and enjoyed life to the fullest gaining wisdom and insight beyond his years. He shot his first rifle at three years old, drove across country in a blizzard, raced a Ferrari down I-5 and went on a big game hunt in Wyoming. He earned enough money to buy his car while in the hospital making beaded earrings. He was a champion wrestler and a star baseball player. He dreamed of being a big league baseball pitcher and policeman. Planning to attend college his dream of education was always foremost in his mind.
Joe attended Mount Vernon High School and graduated from La Conner High School in 2007. While there, he lettered in baseball and wrestling… all while fighting cancer. Joe could run and skate faster, hit further and wrestle harder, all with humility and thanks for his gift. He also had a knack for being a sharp, classy dresser and his keen sense of humor was second to none.
As a member of the Upper Skagit Tribe, Joe looked forward to serving his people, fulfilling the call of generations of grandfathers before him. He believed his time on earth was to help others. We will never know the thousands of people his life has touched.
He never asked anything from people, but would search their hearts for ways to help them. His compassion had no limits. He embraced all people, old and young alike. He befriended anyone in need, sharing his compassion and care. He was devoted to his family and friends.
Joe has fought cancer for over seven years, touching so many with his strength and courage. Many of Joe’s friends have gone before him and are now with him. Joe passed with his stepmother Cindy and his Dad holding his hands.
Ask not how Joe died; ask how Joe lived. He lived each day knowing it was a gift.
Remember this of Joe: He loved the world and loved each of us for our strengths and prayed for our weaknesses. He will be missed, but Joe lives on in each of his deeds and in our hearts.
He is survived by his father and step-mother, Jay and Cindy Bowen; mother, Peggy Bowen; 3 sisters Shauntae, Maranee and Laholeetha Bowen; uncle, Joseph D. Bowen; 2 nieces, Hillary & Kiahna; 1 nephew, Skyler Joe and his little buddy, Brett, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Imogene & Jack Bowen and the family matriarch, Marjorie Emmons.
The family requests that donations in Joe’s name be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Attn: Charitable Accounting, One Kroc Drive, Oakbrook, IL 60523 or the Skagit County Sheriff Benevolent Association, 600 So. Third Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
Prayer Services will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 6:45 PM with Funeral Services to be held on Friday, March 14, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe Gymnasium. Interment will follow at the Washington Indian family Cemetery near Rockport.