Bowen Hayward Tucker

Bowen was born on April 13, 1938, in Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated from Brown University in 1959 and went on to earn his degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1962. He married Jan Brown on August 26, 1962.

Bowen began his legal career at Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP in Providence, RI, from 1962 to 1966. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves from approximately 1963 to 1965. In 1966, Bowen joined Caterpillar in Peoria, IL, where he was valued for his expertise and diligence. In 1972, Bowen and his family moved to Arlington Heights, IL, and he worked at FMC Corporation in Chicago until his retirement in 2000.

Bowen also served as Chairman of the Product Liability Advisory Council, Inc. from 1981 until 2000, shaping best practices and providing guidance for industry professionals nationwide.

When not working, he could often be found on the water—whether on Lake Michigan or Walloon Lake—captaining his sailboat with skill, happiest when the wind filled his sails. After his retirement, Bowen became an avid runner with the Chicago Area Runners Association. Beyond completing numerous races—from 5Ks to marathons—what mattered most to him were the lasting friendships he made along the way.

Bowen is survived by his wife, Jan; his son, Stefan; his daughter-in-law, Janice; his daughter, Catherine; and his six grandchildren: Catherine, Aleksander, Stefanie, Derek, Michael, and James; and his brother, Harris, his wife Betty, and their children Jonathan and Holly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bowen’s memory to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or to Planned Parenthood.

A small, private, family-only service will be held.

Bowen will be remembered for his dedication to family, his professional integrity, and his lifelong commitment to justice and education. He leaves an enduring legacy to all who knew him.