Richard Harold Bowden

playing in 2001 Red Cross Benefit on Chebeague at the Hall

Richard Harold Bowden, 77 WELLS -- Richard Harold Bowden, 77, of Locksmith Lane, died Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Worcester, Mass. on August 24, 1931, and graduated from Watertown High School. Richard earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the former Lowell State College now University of Massachusetts Lowell. Richard was drafted near the end of the Korean Conflict, and was assigned to the 7th Army military band in Europe. On April 19, 1953, he married the love of his life, Janet Sykes. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Upon his discharge from the Army, Richard returned to school where he earned his Master's Degree in Education Administration from Worcester State College.

He entered the workforce as a music educator and Director of Music for the Wachusett Regional School District. He is the former choir director of the First Baptist Church of Holden, and the First Congregational Church of Holden. Richard was an active participant in the choral arts arena in the Worcester area for many years, performing with the Chaminades and the Master Singers. Richard and Janet enjoyed wintering in Florida, and traveling.

In their retirement, they served as innkeepers at the Chebeague Island Inn for many years. Even in retirement Richard's love for music and education continued as he volunteered his musical expertise to his daughter Kathryn in providing the children of the Sanford school district the opportunity to participate in musical presentations. Richard and Janet were 37-year residents of Holden, Mass., and moved to Maine permanently in 1990. Richard was a very active member of Alcoholic's Anonymous, sponsoring and mentoring many people in several different states over the past 26 years. He was a much sought out speaker for AA events. While in Florida, he also volunteered with Central Services.

Survivors include his loving wife Janet of Wells; his son, Kevin Bowden and his wife Yvette of York, four daughters, Kathryn Clukey of Kennebunk, Kimberley Halsdorff and her husband James of Holden, Mass., Kristen Spofford and her husband James of Winchendon, Mass., Karrie Schiebler and her husband William of Auburn, Mass.; his twin brother, Robert S. Bowden of Dracut, Mass.; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Monday, May 4, 2009 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Kenneth Squire officiating. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel. www.bibberfuneral.com If desired, the family encourages memorial donations in his memory to: The American Lung Association of Maine 122 State Street Augusta, ME 04330