Eric Bowman

Bowman, Eric Alan MADISON-Eric Alan Bowman, age 54, died on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at University Hospital in Madison after a brief battle with a very aggressive cancer. He was born on February 7, 1955 in Madison, the son of Robert and Grace Bowman, and lived in Madison and Cross Plains for all of his life. Eric tried a variety of occupations, which included working for Swiss Colony, Barnard Orchard and Graber Industries, before finding his career in about 1991 with the U.S. Postal Service. He joined the American Postal Workers Union, became a union steward, and represented his local at national union meetings. His postal career ended when a brain tumor, benign though it was, robbed him of part of his eyesight and dexterity and forced his early retirement in 2005. He had a lifelong love of gardening and an extensive knowledge of horticulture. As an active member of the Olbrich Garden Club, he recently became its treasurer and they awarded him a lifetime membership in the National Garden Club. For the latter half of his life, his greatest joy each year was planting and tending his garden, and he spent hours every spring poring over plant catalogs. Eric read widely and was knowledgeable on many subjects, including geography and zoology. He loved exotic birds and at one time owned an aviary that included parrots, cockatiels, finches and doves. Politically, he was a lifelong liberal who followed the news closely and was proud to vote for Barack Obama in 2008. Despite his personal losses, which included a marriage that turned from happiness to tragedy for him, Eric never lost his generous spirit and cheerful heart. He never gave in to bitterness or anger and remained a gentle soul and a loving son and brother. Eric is survived by his parents, Robert and Grace Bowman of Cross Plains; his siblings and their spouses, comprising Juli and husband Steve Johnson of Cross Plains, Thomas Bowman of Cross Plains, and Madolyn and husband David Rogers of Campbell, Calif.; a nephew, Lucian Rogers; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He died a month short of welcoming Lucian and parents on their move to live in the Madison area. A memorial service is planned for a date in June and his earthly remains will lay at rest in a family plot at Sunset Memory Gardens. His soul awaits us in heaven. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com