Obituary of Barry F. Bowden

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Barry Francis Bowden, who left us on March 10, 2025 at the age of 80. He spent his final moments at home, under the devoted care of his steadfast and beloved wife of 59 years, Diane. Born on October 13, 1944, in Bangor, Maine, Barry was the fourth of six sons born to Donald Francis Bowden and Thelma Olive Bowden (née Perkins) of Orrington, Maine. He graduated from Brewer High School in 1962 and continued his education at the University of Maine in Orono.  He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a fifth-year Paper and Pulp certification. During his time at the university, he was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (ΣΦE), Chapter #71596. On August 14, 1965, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Diane Beverly Anderson of Brewer, Maine.  Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Barry spent much of his professional life working in the paper industry, retiring from Olin/Ecusta in 2002 after a dedicated career. He and Diane made their home in Brevard, North Carolina, where they spent 50 wonderful years before returning to Maine in 2022 to renovate her childhood home. A man of deep faith, Barry was an active member and trustee of First United Methodist Church in Orrington, Maine. He also contributed his time and energy to the Jaycees in both Virginia and North Carolina. Barry embodied the values of hard work and integrity, principles that guided his commitment to family and community. Barry found peace in nature, especially at his former home in Pisgah Forest, NC, and on his property in Kings Mountain. He enjoyed bowling, listening to music, and spending time outdoors—whether stargazing as an avid astronomer, gardening, or riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A true Mainer at heart, Barry had a lifelong affection for Mount Katahdin, cherishing its beauty and the sense of adventure it inspired. He also had a special fondness for lupine flowers, which reminded him of nature's splendor.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife, Diane; his children, Donald Eugene Bowden and his wife, Venita, and Trudi Jean Bowden and her husband, Bernie Hansen; and his cherished grandchildren, Jonathan and Daniel Bowden, and Alyssa, Emma, and Olivia Hansen. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard (Charlene), Phillip (Nancy), and Keith (Heather); sisters-in-law Patricia Fialkosky and Darlene Bowden, as well as 9 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Brian, sister-in-law Judith Linda Bitzenhofer, and brother-in-law Donald Eugene Anderson.

Special thanks to the caregivers of St. Joseph’s Hospice, whose expertise, compassionate care and service allowed Barry to live out his days in the comfort of his own home.

A celebration of life will be held on April 19, 2025 from 2 to 4 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Orrington.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Barry’s memory can be made to St. Joseph's Hospice or First United Methodist Church, Center Drive, Orrington.  Barry’s memory will live on in the stories we share, the values he instilled, and the love he so freely gave. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandoley.com.