Name: Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home
Address: Bellevue, WA

Just thinking of Nick today.

He was a good friend at Holland America.

Dan Grabb

It is with sadness that I learn, many years after the fact,  of Capt. Schowengerdt passing.
Going through old possessions, I stumbled upon a leather binder, with Captain Leo Nicholas Schowengerdt Jr. buisiness card as a "consultant in general maritime and fisheries law enforcement". Running a web search brought me here...
Captain Leo Nicholas Schowengerdt Jr. and I met in British Colombia during a "UN International Expert Consultation on the Marking of Fishing Gear", where we were invited as expert participants.
I was 26 year old, green and very intimidated to be at such an event.  But Capt. Schowengerdt took me under his wing so to speak, and made me feel like I belonged there, and that my expertise (limited as it was then), mattered and served a greater purpose.
I will never forget his generosity.
My very best wishes to his surviving family. 
Daniel Poirier

Thanks to whoever was responsible for placing Nick's obituary in the San Diego paper.  Brings back many wonderful memories. Nick and Marilyn were childhood friends at First Methodist Church, where our parents were best of friends and both of our parents were founders of an incredible group, The Challenger Class, that continued as a major force for well over 50 years. I'm sure that all the fine characteristics that I read about Nick in those notes from friends are traits he picked up from his great parents. And Marilyn, I just remember was kind of cute, but I've got a feeling that she turned out pretty good too!

As one of Nick's classmates, I was always amazed at his creativity and energy.  His Obituary summarizes this trait.  We served on different coasts, but I will not forget him.  He blazed a remarkable trail!

Although I never served with Nick on active duty, I learned more about leadership from Cadet Schowengerdt than any other person during my four years at the Academy.  He was my friend and mentor during the two years that we were together.  For those of you who do not have access to the 1960 Academy year book, I am posting what his classmates thought of Nick as follows:

"The man with the most pull on the reservation, the only Cadet majoring in extra-curricular activities, the biggest organizer the Academy has ever seen; yes, this is the man with the brief case, symbol of authority 'Nick' has filled more roles at the Academy than any comtemporary could dream up.  And in fulfilling his roles, those qualities upon which the largest demands have been made are the musician, orater, diplomat, leader, consulant, agressor, family man, producer, technician, and most important, administrator.  Everyone knows Nick and everyone knows that they can expect a most scintillating personality in any situation."

I played the organ in Nick's Nitecaps, and 53 years later had the privilege of playing the organ at his memorial service.  I am honored to have known him.

Leo, Karen, and Brian, our hearts and thoughts are with you today and always,

Much love,

Wonderful man and a great uncle, generous with his time and thoughts.  We'll miss Nick and the example he set for everyone.

Nick was among the very few people I've met that instantly made me feel very comfortable to be around!

Without music life would be a mistake.
Member 1959 Nitecaps - the beat goes on.

Although I never had the pleasure and honor to serve with Nick, I am a proud member of the original Nite Caps and regret deeply my inability to attend the band's 50th reunion.  Nick was a great friend as a cadet and I send my condolences to his family.

Farewell old friend from one of the original Nitecaps of 1959.

Alan ; Sorry to hear of Nicks passing. Sounds like he lived a full life,which is what we all hope for. Hope you're doing well. Bill Kelly

I have such fond memories of both Nick and Jane.....she was one of my closest friends from 9th grade all through high school.  I was dating a trumpter and we
double-dated almost every weekend. I was fascinateted with Nick's musical ability because the trombone is one of my favorite instruments.     Although
the four of us went different ways for college, we kept in touch over those 50+ years.  I send my love and condolences to the family.  I'm thinking of you and wish I could attend his service Saturday.
Marilyn Maloney Slocum   Boise, Idaho

Thank you for the gallery of pictures. Seeing Nick and Ruth - and Nick Jr. and Jane's wedding pictures brought back a lot of memories. My mother was so fond of Nick and proud of him, and I still have the small paintings/flower arrangements Jane did for her. He made a special effort to come to San Diego for her funeral. I'm sorry I cannot attend; we're thinking of you and of Marilyn.

Betsy (Record) Martyn

you are always in my heart
there are no words to describe how much i miss you and how much you have taught me in my life
love you forever
your favorite neice

My sincere condolences to Nick's entire family.  Although I never had the pleasure of serving with him while on active duty, I knew of him by reputation from classmates and others - a highly regarded "ship driver" and mentor to many.  It was not until joining HAL upon my retirement from the CG that I began working with him and rapidly realized first-hand how he had achieved the reputation he had.  His knowledge was encyclopedic in so many areas - a renaissance man.  I will always remember his great sense of humor and willingness to drop whatever he was doing to help a newcomer to the organization.  It was both an honor and a pleasure to have worked with him.
Most Sincerely,

Lee, Karen and Brian,

Your mother and father hold such a special place in my heart.  My memories of them start in Junior High School.  Our Point Loma High School days were delightful and it was with such pride that I served as a bridesmaid in their wedding. My family so enjoyed visiting with you in Maine and experiencing the beauty of your Washington home.  I picture standing in the kitchen listening to your father's wonderful adventures. 

You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. As I have missed your mother, I shall also miss your father.

Mr. and Mrs. Schowengerdt were a large part of my life growing up as close friends of my parents. I have warm memories of them both as well as their family. We followed them from VA to CA to Bellevue and many a family dinner was enjoyed with theirs. I actually grew up believing we were related. Although the family tree may not agree, in my heart and memories they always will be family. Karen, Lee and Brian, my heart felt condolences.

I offer my sincere condolences to the Schowengerdt family.

Nick and I were classmates and served one tour of duty together on the Pacific Area staff when we were both very senior captains. His knowledge of ship operations was immense and was a  significant factor in ensuring the Pacific Area command functioned to its utmost operational efficiency. 

It was a great pleasure knowing and working with Nick, an unselfish individual who made great contributions to the Coast Guard and the country. I,as well as many others, will miss him.

Dave Ciancaglini, Rear Admiral, USCG (Ret)
 Sun Lakes, Arizona

Dear Karen, Lee and Brian,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father.  Nick and your mother Jane were a part of our lives that we will never forget as were you all. The times we had in Maine and going to Vermont to the Country Fair, staying in a cabin, going Maple Surgaring and riding snowmobiles.  The times in Washington, DC going to the Smithsonian, visiting all the neat places, visits to Walnut Creek, CA and Bellevue, WA and seeing the sites and just having a good time with such wonderful people over the years.  May you always charish the fond memories and the happy times you have had.  .....Bill, Linda, Aaron and Heather Mattoon...friends from Coast Guard Days.

I got to play with Nick at the 50th reunion of the Nitecaps last year. Tonight is a full rehearsal for the group he founded. The cadets will take a moment to mark his passing.

Nick was a wonderful boss and an even better friend. He played a major part in making my Coast Guard career what it was.
Gil Shaw

Wow.  Nick is the wonderful guy who wrote the very kind words beneath my USCGA photo in our Yearbook.  He is the guy who started the "danceband" (later to be called the Nitecaps) during our Swab Summer (1956) and who allowed me to be a soloist with the band.  Nick was always with us Idlers --althouth he didn't sing with us, we all loved him so much that we wanted him with us on our trips!  Nick carried a large briefcase at all times as a cadet, and we had a lottery to guess what was in it!

I am literally in tears remembering this wonderful human being!

Funny, I live in Point Loma (where Nick graduated from H.S.), for the past 6 years, and had never heard of it during the time that I knew him.

My condolences to all of his family.

A sad friend and classmate,

Bob Finan

I love you soo much. You taught me so many things that I will forever keep in my heart.
You will never be forgotten

My sincere condolences to Nick's family and friends.
Nick's friends in the infamous Charlie One Company remember him with fondness and gratitude for making Swab Year more bearable for us.  His unflagging humor helped us survive a throughly stressful time. 
More lastingly, the Academy as a whole benefited from Nick's generous spirit.  Through Nick's initiative and creative skills, the music program at the Coast Guard Academy was expanded and enhanced. The continuation of the programs he fostered is a fitting tribute to the Nick's generosity and foresight.
John Witherspoon
Class of 1960

Nick was a heart with two legs. I remember his squeezy hugs. I remember him cooking directly from Italian cookbooks (in Italian). I remember his disregard for immense amounts of butter. I remember his generosity that would leave me inspired, overwhelmed. I remember the way he looked at his children with such love and affection. I remember his quiet wise glance. I remember his voice and rolling laughter. ah, he will be remembered.

Nick was singularly responsible for the success I had in the Coast Guard and and have had since my retirement.  I met him briefly when he was Chief of Operational Law Enforcement at USCG headquarters.  However, our closer association began when he took command of USCGC BOUTWELL in 1985.  I was his executive officer and, as a naval engineer, was breaking into the operational side at sea.  Nick was patient and understanding, helping me make the jump successfully.  Due to his efforts, I was able to go on to command myself, which led to my selection for flag rank.  I offer the entire Schowengerdt family my deepest condolences.  Nick's passing is a huge loss for us all.

Nick was an important part of our continued association with HAL. My late husband and I had the greatest respect for him. He was always kind, always glad to see us and worked to make things better for everyone. He will be missed. I hope he and Rick are having a great consultation in heaven! I want to thank him for all our opportunities and respect. Liz (Rick) Day

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Captain Leo Nicholas Schowengerdt Jr.

24 septembre 1938 – 20 janvier 2011

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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