Myrlen Lester Bowman

He was the first of five children born to Lester and Minnie Bowman.

Myrlen grew up in the small town of Kennedy, Minnesota. He attended the local school which housed grades one through twelve. He excelled in school and sports. He received top grades in his class and was captain of the basketball team. His picture still hangs in the hallway of the school wearing the number 4. He then went on to study at the University of North Dakota.

In October of 1950 Myrlen met the girl he would spend the rest of his life with, Gloria Spangrud of Karlstad. Myrlen had a friend ask her if he could give her a ride home. Thankfully she said "yes" and the rest is history. They were united in marriage on November 9, 1951 and made their home in Kennedy, Minnesota.

Myrlen worked for his Uncle as they started their married life.The young couple were blessed with two daughters while they were living in Minnesota, Deborah and Joni.

After a trip out west to visit Gloria's family, Myrlen fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and knew that is where he wanted to raise his family. So, in the fall of 1955, the family moved to Portland, Oregon. They purchased their first home on Long Street in Southeast Portland and quickly became involved in the community. They soon welcomed a third daughter Tamara, and the family was now complete.

Myrlen started his professional career with Winter Products Company while attending business school. He moved up the ladder quickly, and became the company vice president. Then in 1975 he left Winter Products to help start Continental Brass where he served as the president of the company until he retired in 2008.

In August of 1974, they moved to their dream home in Gresham, where they continued to live.

Myrlen and Gloria traveled the Globe. Their favorite vacation spot was the island of St.John. The most memorable trip was the Baltic Adventure where they spent time in Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Germany. Myrlen's favorite part of that trip was seeing the Berlin Wall. Family vacations were spent in Hawaii, Alaska, and many trips to Disneyland and Disney World. He also loved road trips. Many trips were made back to Minnesota by car. Myrlen and Gloria loved to hit all the spots around Oregon too. They would take many trips to destinations all over the state. The Oregon Coast was always a favorite.

Myrlen had four grandchildren Traci, Aimee, Mathew, and Sarah. Ace and Oma loved to spend time with their grandchildren. They taught the grandkids how to downhill ski, took them on many trips, and hosted countless overnights at their home. Ace and Oma made sure each of their grandchildren had the opportunity to attend college and all four graduated which made Ace so proud.

Myrlen was an avid gardener. You would never find a weed or a misplaced blade of grass in his yard. It was his happy place and it was perfect. Myrlen loved to play games. Yard jarts, croquet, dominos, parcheesi, whist, and pool were played often. There were so many girls in the family even the Barbie game was in circulation. Myrlen was a big sports fan too. He was a true fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins. He loved his Portland Trail Blazers and was a season ticket holder for many years. He enjoyed the Portland Beavers, and was a huge Duck fan. Myrlen absolutely loved cars. Throughout his life he owned about twenty two of them starting with a 1950 Chevy.

Ace had eight great-grandchildren. Jackson, followed by Ava, Piper, Jacob, Zachary, Kate, Broderic, and Goldie. They loved their Papa Ace, and he loved them. Papa Ace attended many of the great-grands sporting events, graduations, and school performances. He even went skiing with some of the greats. They loved spending the night, as there was always a trip to the Fred Meyer toy department or a trip to the park to get pushed on the swings.

Myrlen enjoyed the families annual gatherings and shenanigans. The fourth of July at Joni and Randy's with boat rides and fireworks. The summer corn feed complete with matching corn shirts, The reciting of the Night Before Christmas, and Christmas Vacation trivia on Christmas Eve. Thanksgiving dinner was held at the "Fancy Eaten Table" with pot passers and Pilgrim hats. When dinner was done, the start of the Griswold Family Christmas would begin with the annual house lighting at Debbi and Jim's.

Myrlen was a man of Christianity, and served his Lord Jesus Christ throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Golda, Janice, and brother Darrell.

Surviving is the Love if his Life for 70 years, Gloria.

Daughters - Debbi Knappenberger (Jim), Joni Hutchinson (Randy), and Tami Morton (Jeff).

Grandchildren -Traci Such (Stephen), Aimee Davenport (Greg), Matthew Hutchinson (Sarah) and Sarah Hutchinson Tickel (Robbie).

Great Grandchildren - Jackson and Piper Such, Ava, Zachary, and Broderick Davenport, Jacob and Katherine Hutchinson, and Golda Tickel.

Sister Kathy Stenmark (Roy), Brother in law Dick Clay, Sister in Law Lorraine Calcagno, and many nieces and nephews.

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Papa Ace. He was our Rock, our Hero, and he will be Missed beyond words.

Donations in Myrlen's memory may be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Portland Union Gospel Mission.