I remember Rickey. He wrote schemA magazine. I designed one of the covers. The one with the lizards. I drew them on cigarette cartons, because I worked at Andy's BP in santa cruz. He and I rode our bikes up the road to UCSC one night to watch the lights of santa Cruz and beyond, after a shift at Subway. He taught me  about Bob. And the number 23. He taught me a lot of things. He also introduced me to Kelly. Kelly Forys from Australia. The one woman who said to me that she wanted to grow old with me. She's dead now too, I just learned. Ten years ago to ovarian cancer. Down under. He talked about a Thursday hotdog. I wondered if I'd ever be the same again, and now I know. I never will be. Thank Bob. I really miss you Rickey, there's a difference between wondering if you'll ever see someone again, and knowing you never will. My heart breaks. Love you man

I'll never forget that night back in '89 or so when my recent friend Rickey and I first met Natalie outside a grocery store in Vista. The electricity between the two of them was palpable but I could never have anticipated the odyssey that was to follow. Our paths diverged after a few years but later I randomly ran into him on the Vegas strip on New Years Eve 1999 where he was assuring passersby that a knocked over newspaper box was a "non Y2K related incident". We were so surprised to see each other and we spent the rest of the night driving his school bus (!) up and down the strip picking up and dropping off total strangers! The last time I saw him in '03 in LA he was excitedly talking about his book and new projects he was thinking about. I always thought of Rickey as someone who would always be doing something exciting or weird and who consistently had such a lust for life. I can't picture him as any other person. This is the Rickey I will remember. The world is a little less interesting without you in it, man.

This weekend I returned to the cemetery that my friends and I used to haunt in the witching hours of our teenage years. Eternal Hills. As I approached the gates, I was flooded with memories of the countless hours we spent together, staying out all day and night - in cemeteries, coffee shops, 24-hour diners, dance clubs, parks, adventuring anywhere and everywhere - smoking cigarettes, creating mischief, sharing laughs, sharing weirdness and talking about everything under the sun and the moon and beyond. I treasure those memories and feel so fortunate to have known and spent time with so many beautiful, brilliant people.. Last week the world lost one of those beautiful, brilliant people.. Rickey Bowser (later known as Zoe Somebody). I'll always remember the first time I saw him, when he magically appeared on the RBVHS campus with his mohawk, combat boots and camo jacket. I don't think I was the only one who was in awe of him. It soon became clear that he was just as awesome to know as a person and to have as a friend - a creative, witty and intelligent soul, with an adventurous spirit, a way with words and a heart of gold.. And so it was with much sadness that I returned to Eternal Hills, to say goodbye to an old friend who was such a vital part of those memories of youth, and who was loved and respected by so many throughout his life. May he rest in peace.

I am grateful to have known you.  Sweet dreams.

Hi, although I wasn't able to attend Zoe Somebody's life celebration, I would like everyone to know that he was an inspiration.

He was true idea man. He never clang to ideas that were relegated to "inside the box" type thinking. He always came up with truly inventive ideas for a lot of different things.

I remember one time, he had an idea for a business which would involve "pop up" restaurants. Another time, he involved himself in an art project called "Chalkboard Hood"

He was a very creative and artistic person, who was dedicated and passionate about the things he did. We can't say the same thing about most people, but we can say this about our friend Zoe.

Moreover, he was a true and kind human being. He was one of the nicest people whom I have met, and he never had anything negative to say about anybody else. He was a kind and caring man who believed in his friends and family. 

I found this blog on his personal site a while ago, and recently I stumbled upon it again.

In here, he wrote some very kind things about his family and friends. In one certain blog he wrote of his sister Tammy, "She is my own personal Gandhi. When I think of how I could respond peacefully to a situation I ask what would my sister do."

Again, I iterate his thoughtfulness towards others, which in turn has inspired me to write this post about him.

The times we hung out, I have learned from him greatly. Thoughtout all these years, my thoughts would turn to Zoe from time to time.

I will miss him dearly, Zoe has been a true friend to me.

My special memory is from years ago when you were dressed as "Ed Grimley" for Halloween. You recited "Ed's" favorite saying that Pat Sajak "was a very fine fellow". It's been through knowing your mother, my dearest friend, that I have known you were a very fine fellow. You will be missed. Rosemary, Butler, PA

I remember when summers were hot,
when Christmas was blah.
But Zoe was here, it made things clear.
He made the world without fear.
Now I see, today's not free,
for my peace-loving uncle, has left thee.
I remember, when he shared me his knowledge,
we talked on gmail, oh we talked for hours.
We set sail, to nights of adventure,
or went bike riding, inside a volcano.
Rattlesnakes and moon rocks,
Toy sharks and puppet theaters.
Where has it gone, why has it left us?
But just be mellow, times are hard.
I'll spend the rest of my life,
making Zoe proud.

I feel so out of touch and just found out. R.I.P.
Thanks for being one of those major people in my life...

I remember Zoe as always wearing long cut off jean shorts. I don't know why! I also will never forget that he dressed up as a Go-Go Butterfly so we could match for Halloween.  That was SO fun! Even though I hadn't seen him for at least 5 years, I will miss him and always remember him.

I wish I wasn't writing this because it only implies that we will never be talking again about life's endeavors.  I will never hear your voice or see you pass through on your road trips. You had a special ability of talking with people and touching so many lives in different ways.  You were loved and will be missed dearly.  Aunt Vickie

My Dear Nephew,
I wish I wasn't writing this because it only implies that we will never be talking again about life's endeavors.  I will never hear your voice or see you as you pass through on your road trips.  You had a special ability of talking with people and have touched so many lives it different ways. You were loved and will be missed dearly.
Aunt Vickie

I knew Rickey beginning in our teenage years through his long-term partner in crime Natalie, and while he was first becoming Zoe.  He moved up to Santa Cruz during my freshman year there.  As I am someone who doesn't make close friends quickly, it was a big deal to have a close friend from home up there.  In an amazing way for a completely platonic male friend, he made me feel safe and loved.  We had a few incredible adventures around the environs of the town that I will never forget.  I hadn't seen him in over 10 years, but he was one of the rare people who I would always have been happy to run into.  And I know we could have still talked for hours.  Dammit.  

All of my love to his family.

Zoe and Alan created Experimental Garage Theater and wrote a play called "What?" .  They built a theater complete with stage lighting in the garage and put it on for family and friends.

My dad died this past November & when I was at the Manzanita house for the Halloween open mic, Zoe & I talked a little about my dad & my complicated feelings surrounding his illness & rapidly approaching death. After he died, I texted Zoe & told him, because I was telling everyone that had known about him that it had happened, and he texted me back, "I am sorry. I know you had your own feelings about his illness. I hope his passing doesn't upset you. Hang in there. And if I may be so crass as to quote Month Python: 'always look on the bright side of life.' Just be there for your family and keep on going. Death sucks which begs the question how useful life is in the first place. So I guess we should enjoy the hell out of what we can. Be well."

I wanted to share this because I wanted to remind everyone coping with Zoe's death about some of the things he said to me. 

Zoe is loved and missed and I will not forget him.

Rick was an incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.

We were always separated by miles and time but you were always in my heart. How could you not be?......  I have known you since you were a baby. You were a very happy child , who could play well with anyone. As you grew, you knew you were different and you knew you were special, sometimes that originality would land you into  trouble, but charmer as you always were...when you wanted to, you could side-step any unpleasant situation. 
I will miss you more than you will ever know and I am saddened by the fact that   you  terminated  our future debating, scuba-diving and scramble games, but  I will look for you when I cross. I don't care if you don't believe in Him. He believes in you..... and so do I.
Aunt Donna

You were a true kindred spirit, not only to me, but apparently to everyone who ever had the privilege of knowing you.  It was great sharing the time with you that I did.  Thanks for lightening me up so consistently and thoroughly.  I wish I could've helped you.  Adios Amigo.

Thanks for being an important member of our "Grounds-Zero" Coffee House Family. Best wishes Zoe, on your next "Project"!

You'll be greatly missed! Glad I got to meet you when I did, You're a great guy, always remember that!

I am shocked and saddened that we have lost you, Zoe.  You brought so much to my life!  We'll get together again someday for another sound check---when you can make me sound as good as Lauren Bacall once more.  Sending my deepest sympathies to the Bowser family.

OBITUARY

"Zoe" Richard Dale Bowser

May 10, 1972 – May 4, 2012

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

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