Paul Grant Bowen

Paul Grant Bowen March 9, 1934- June 13, 2014 Paul Grant Bowen passed away at his home on June 13, 2014, two weeks following the discovery of a cancerous brain tumor. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Stevens, and sons Michael (wife, Kimberly Sakai) and Mark Jason (wife, Shelley Eckholdt). He is the grandfather to six grandsons: Alexander Antonio Benjamin, Isaac, Grayson and Tyler. Born to Grant Richard and Sibyl Spande Bowen, Paul's early life was spent in Salt Lake City Utah except for a few years living in Syracuse, New York. Days filled with playing toy soldiers, reading comic books and building tree huts changed abruptly upon the death of his mother when he was only 11 years. Upon reflection he recognized a 'light had gone out' in his life. His older sister, Claire, provided much needed nurturing during the subsequent years. In spite of the loss, during these tender years a lifelong passion for expressing himself artistically began to take root. Collaborating to paint a high school mural and hours sketching as he recovered from an illness sparked this interest. Before his life could be devoted professionally to artistic endeavors, Paul served a three-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the country of Japan. Seeds of faith in Jesus Christ flourished and grew strong in his heart. Another lifelong passion grew - studying the word of God and striving to live accordingly. Upon his completion of mission service, Paul served briefly in the Utah National Guard then pursued and obtained a Bachelor of Fine Art in Architecture at the University of Utah. Architecture not only opened Paul's world to design, it also introduced him to watercolor painting. Two things brought light back into Paul's life - watercolor painting and Sue Stevens. Although their paths had crossed briefly while university students, their courtship began after they both graduated and moved to San Francisco, California. Paul and Sue married in 1963. Thus began 50+ years of life together. Two sons would bless the happy couple. Paul was a dutiful father who believed strongly that weekly family nights should include ice cream and baseball cards. He built train sets & the best halloween costumes, painted the most unique Easter Eggs and supported his boys in whatever they pursued. As an architect he designed beautiful structures that are enjoyed today - libraries, recreation centers, homes, offices, etc. are spread throughout Utah and California. They bear his signature steep pitched roofs and unique angles. These projects brought satisfaction. Painting watercolors, however, brought him an escape from the drab & mundane to a world of vibrant color full of light and stimulation. What a gift Paul Bowen has given to the world - to see through his eyes in one masterful painting after another! He exhibited in multiple galleries in Utah and California as well as many one-man shows. Paul and Sue began their life together in California yet after several years they returned to Utah where they would remain until the boys both graduated from high school. In 1987 their journey brought them back to the San Francisco Bay area. Paul and Sue renewed dear friendships and began another phase of life as empty nesters. Prouder parents would be hard to find of two young men. Paul loved raising boys but upon their marriages, developed a unique relationship with daughters-in-law, Kimberly and Shelley. He made their spot in the family a special one. He was always proud of their personal/professional accomplishments and abundantly expressed gratitude for their dedication to his family. Paul's life was very rich in good friendships, joy in church service, pleasure from traveling to foreign countries and painting the lovely places he and Sue visited. However, welcoming six grandsons to the family brought him the greatest possible happiness in his last 15 years of life. Grandpa Paul cherished time spent building gingerbread houses, making paper airplanes, playing games and attending the sporting events and music concerts and making sure to replenish the bins of marshmallows & chocolate candy. Our lives will continue to be touched daily because of the love shown by this humble, gifted man. Funeral services to be held Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 3:30 pm. Brentwood LDS Chapel,1101 McClarren Road, Brentwood, CA. A reception by family members and art works display will be held prior to service from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm. Dedication of the grave will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2014,11:00 am at Wasatch Lawn Memorial located at 3401 Highland Drive, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Memorial Gathering Thursday, January 1, 1970 12:00 am Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brentwood 1101 McClarren Rd Brentwood CA 94513