Paul Lloyd Bowman

Paul Lloyd Bowman of Bellingham, Washington passed away on Thursday, July 25th, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born on October 28, 1939, and was the youngest of five siblings. Together Lonnie (Jack) and Vera Bowman had Bob, Jack, Mary, Tom, and Paul.

Paul graduated from Bellingham High in 1957 and went on to earn a bachelor’s in education from Western Washington (Bellingham) in 1963. He married the love of his life, Linda Larson shortly thereafter and the two moved to Oregon where he began his teaching career. Through the following 7 years he and Linda built a lovely home together and pursued their careers. A passionate teacher, Paul was highly regarded by his colleagues and adored by his students. Upon moving to Walnut Creek, CA and establishing himself there as an innovator he was instrumental in establishing the Outdoor School program.

With a growing family and aging parents, Paul and Linda decided to leave the Bay area and move to Beaverton, Oregon where Paul would begin the process towards taking over his father in-law’s company. The two partnered under Larson Bowman Sales and were very successful in serving the bedding and furniture manufacturing industries.

Paul was actively involved in giving back to his community through his 15 years as an East Portland Rotarian. Although he left his formal teaching career, his passion and dedication to the importance of education never waned. He always said yes to favors asked of him if he hadn’t previously committed himself and could always be counted on to regale everyone with side-splitting stories. Often, the same story on multiple occasions, but they were always just as entertaining as the first time. Paul was the social butterfly of the family and loved to travel, making friends in all the cities and countries he and Linda visited.

Paul is preceded in death by his entire immediate family and is survived by his wife, Linda, of 61 years and his three children Buffy Bowman, Jeff Bowman and his wife, Danielle, Jenni Larmer and her husband, Dave Larmer. Paul and Linda have eight grandchildren, Ian, Kylie, Jonah, Katie, Hannah, Gabe, Andrew, and Alex. He leaves a large extended family from both the Bowman and Frazier sides of his family. Through his own siblings and wife, he has four surviving sister’s in-law, Audrey, Jo Ann and Marie Bowman and Carole Blanchard as well as ten nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Mt. Baker Care Center and their compassionate caregivers and exceptional nursing staff for the countless hours of care and friendship they showed our beloved Paul from the beginning of his stay through his last moments. We would also like to thank the St. Joseph’s Hospice care team for their attention to making his final days as comfortable as possible.

There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, September 14, from 1PM to 4PM at the home of Jenni and Dave Larmer (if you need the address, please reach out to any of the family). All are welcome to get together to share stories, reflect on his life, and pay tribute to the incredible man he was.