Obituary

Edwin Bowden, obituary

Mon, 07/07/2014 - 11:30am

CAMDEN — Edwin Warren Bowden passed away peacefully July 2, 2014, at the age of 86 in Camden. He was born in Rockland on Aug. 21, 1927, and graduated from Portsmouth High School.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

Following his military discharge, Ed went to work for JJ Newberry and was promoted to manager of the Berlin, N.H., store. Later, he relocated to the store in Rockland. He left Newberry to start his own businesses, Barden's Gift and Candle Shop and the Golden Harvest. During that time period, he became good friends with Bob Reny, founder and owner of Reny's, and ended up working with him for many years. Ed was also appointed to the Maine State Liquor Commission by former Gov. Joseph Brennan. The commission was later combined with Maine State Lottery Commission, where Ed served for 20 years. In 2001, he retired from R.H. Reny Inc.

His loving wife, Irene, pet name “PelchiB” passed away in 2002. One of his favorite things to do was cruise on Holland America Lines on which he had over 450 days.

Surviving are his children, Robert Bowden, Cynthia Lester and Patricia Dee; his sister, Beverly Simmons; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathanial, Rachael and Matthew; and two great-grandchildren, Teagan and Reese.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m. at the Camden Yacht Club.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to P.A.W.S., P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.