Hey Gus I can’t believe it’s been 5 years today. Well Bill will be seeing you on the 9th hole. I miss you and your words of wisdom. 
Both you and Bill made me a better person. Thank you for your love and kindness throughout the years. My children would not be the people they are without you in their lives. 

I love ya R.I.P.
Suzy aka Karen

Hey Daddy,

Today is Memorial Day, and hats off to you. May this day be a salute to you and all those who have served and are serving our country. Thank you for all you have done for our country and family. I miss you and love you so much, Daddy. 

I don't have anyone to call for a good conversation, supportive words, hard-knock teachings, or to get a good old laugh. Although I call my four brothers to get a part of you from each of them... it helps. There isn't a day that goes by without me thinking of you. So many lovely memories of you are my saving grace; it helps me get through.

You are gone but not forgotten. Alway with love, Laure

Hey Dad,
I  was thinking of you because I miss our calls, chats, and deep conversations.  I especially miss knowing being able to  reach out to you to help me through my struggles, share a fantastic meal and good bottle of wine but  especially a chance to loud out with you 😘

Thanks for keeping our family together and carrying  us through our life journeys to become the amazing people we are today.  With 7 children you had a whole lot of love.  

You will always be in my heart.  I’m blessed with an abundant amount of great memories and love that surrounds me.  Well I know you are watching golf or football so I will talk with you soon.

Love everlasting, Dorcy

Hey Gus aka Grumps

I spend this morning sending out letters to the kids to remind them of they greatness and all they have achieved and can achieve.  And that is greatly due to your quiet influence. Thank you for welcoming me into your family in 1977 and making mine better.
Always,
Suzy aka Karen


Gus  was a great friend to my father and always treated me well, welcoming me into his home on a number of occasions. I am deeply grateful for the role he played (and continues to play) in my dad's life. 

I just recently learned about this page honoring the memory of my dear friend,  Gus Bowman.   He and I met about ten years ago in San Jose and served as mentors for African American young men in the Rites of Passage Program.  He invited me to become a member of the Wil Crockett Book Club and our friendship took off from there.  For years, we had lunch once a week in various BBQ joints in the Bay Area.  He also gave me numerous tips on the golf course.  Gus left me wonderful memories of his wit, his wisdom, his love of family, his love of books and his strength!  Gus was a proud, principled and kind African American man.  I miss him every day!

Today, another friend of mine asked our group who had the most impact on our lives that wasn't a relative.   I immediately thought of Gus, which lead me here.  It's strange how thoughts of people who have had a huge impact on your life randomly come and go over the years, almost as if to say, "Hey, I'm still here...impacting your life."    Gus was my first training officer and he had a huge part in molding me to become the cop I was during my career, and the man I still am today.   I met him in 1986 at 23 years old and after my tour of duty was over in the U.S. Army.  I would say that the Army taught me how not to be a kid anymore, but that Gus and others like him taught me how to be a man.  Thinking of you today, my friend.  RIP.

Gus,  I had the pleasure of meeting and working with you through the Veterans Administration and coming to know a man of power and dignity.  It was an honor to know you and to serve with you.  My prayer for you is that you are discovering the reality of an ancient Asian Indian saying:  "Death is not the extinguishing of the light, It is putting out the lamp because dawn has come."  Peace be with you Gus.

Uncle Gus, 

You will surely be missed!  You were the strongest tie I had to my dad.  It became ever so true as we shared a love for coin collecting. So many times you’d tell me how to hand and preserve the coins and to get the new book each year so I’d know the true value. Well Unc, I finally got that book!  Although I didn’t get to see you before you closed your eyes, it was a pleasure to hear your voice one last time. Please do me a favor and tell my dad, grandma and Keisha hi when you see them in heaven! I love you and will certainly miss you much! 

I will always appreciate you taking the time to say hello.  You had a presence and a welcoming persona that was understood through your gaze and smile.  My heartfelt condolences to the Bowman family and anyone who knew Gus as a friend.  

Grumps,

I appreciate the time you took to help guide and develop my siblings, cousins and I, when we had the monthly book club. You always made good beer can chicken and had wit. Writing out those dictionary words and reading those books expanded my vocabulary in ways I didn't even realize at the time. I regret not keeping more in touch with you but am appreciative that I spoke to you before you went. You were a great man.
Theo

Anytime someone asks me who my hero is, you're always the first name I say. The book club will always be my favorite memory of you, especially because it meant that I could read a new book every month and see you and my cousins every month. Everytime I buy a ho ho cake, it always reminded me of you. I love you very much. 

So many memories of my daddy. My daddy never turned away from his children, friends, and/or foes. He was intelligent, brilliant in so many ways; funny to the point of tears and having your stomach hurt from all the laughter. His smile would light up a room, not to mention his stature was bigger than life. My dad had his beliefs, didn't shy away from a discussion about it and/or sharing his views and backing it up with facts...book facts. He shared his time with my nieces and nephews by having a book club with them. He spent time with my daughter listening to her read to him and asking her questions. He loved to cook...he didn't just cook...he made masterpieces. He'd grill, saute, mix, and fix food that would sing in your mouth or as he would say "Take your shoes off!" I'm blessed to have had time with him; I remember times of falling asleep on the floor as we watch (he watched) golf. The time we took flight to New Orleans and drove to Mississippi. To the times we just sat and watched something on Roku. So many enjoyable, challenging, loving, and caring times with my daddy. He was always there when I needed help with school, housing, transportation and/or advice. Don't get wrong...he said his words about being a responsible adult and taking care of yo' business...but still he would be there. I wish I had more time with him...time to grab his recipes, catch his grin and hear his laughter. I was told he had a bad heart...but that's not true! He had an AWESOME heart, good to the end. Daddy...I carry your spirit with me and I draw upon it for guidance, protection, love and support.. Thank you Daddy. I love you...I miss you so much! Laure

It was my honor and privilege to know Gus.  Thank You for your Service !  Art Williams

So sorry for your loss.  May God bring peace during this time of great loss.  

Mr Bowman  left me with so many good n funny moments.  I'm blessed to have shared my youth with you all.  

love n miss you 

Richie

OBITUARY

Augustus C. Bowman

April 7, 1935 – December 23, 2018

Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel

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