Ralph Fredrick Bowman

Jul 15, 1946 -

Feb 18, 2024

Long time Anchorage, Alaska, resident Ralph Fredrick Bowman, aka Hunter, 77, passed away on Feb. 18, 2024, while at home with his wife, Zenobia E. Bowman, aka Noby; daughter-in-law, Danielle Bowman; and granddaughter, Kepler Bowman, at his bedside while all held his hands. He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., in July 1946, and attended Arsenal Technical HS in Indianapolis.

A veteran, he joined USMC in 1963, served in Vietnam 1965-1966 and was honorably discharged in 1967. He received two stars for rifle marksmanship, and his GED while in the corps.

After returning from Vietnam, he met his soul mate and married Zenobia Bowman, "Noby," on Aug. 6, 1966. He was 20; she was 18.

Moved the family to Alaska, in 1981, from Riverton, Wyo. He was employed by Burton Plumbing & Heating, UIC & Partusch Plumbing before starting his own Bowman Mechanical Contractors Inc., in 1996. He was very well-known throughout the plumbing and construction trades as a fair, honest, trustworthy man who would always go the extra mile. He loved to walk the dogs; he always had a treat in his pocket for them. Hunting birds with his dog was a big plus, and fishing in summer with sons and family. He was a true outdoorsman, loved to go hiking or hunting big game and the smells of fall - he just loved nature. Yard work was another passion - loved that riding mower. He had such a beautiful smile and a laugh like Burt Reynolds, but hardier. He had such a great sense of humor, the biggest beautiful blue eyes and big hands. The handshake he had was warm, firm and sincere. He was such a great listener, understanding difficult situations, handling them with soft spoken words to make you feel at ease. Being an Alaska pilot was another proud moment for him and his boys. He was very intelligent and had such a good memory of people. He loved reading to young grandchildren with them sitting all around. He always called when heading home to see if anyone needed anything, and always kissed his wife good night. He was so proud of all the children, their accomplishments and how they grew into such loving and responsible adults. He also made the best peanut butter fudge. He enjoyed playing checkers with grandchildren on wooden checkerboard. He is survived by their three adult children: Brian with wife Danielle and three grandchildren Audrie, Kepler and Ethan Bowman, Jason with wife Alix Bowman, and daughter, Tina with husband Brian Allen and four grandchildren Brooke and Hailey Schlipf and Nicole and Christopher Allen; sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Lewis Kootz; brother-in-law, William Burgess; Ralph F. and Donna Pate with three grandsons Johnathon, Michael and Jeff; cousins; nephews; nieces; best friends, you know who you are; and many contractors who were so special to him.

His ashes will be buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery to honor him forever. The family ask for blessings and or donations for All Disabled Veterans of America, in lieu of flowers.

There will be a celebration of life held later in 2024.