Selwyn F. Bowen

BARRE TOWN – Selwyn F. “Sonny” Bowen, age 86, of Crescent Lane died Thursday morning January 11, 2018 at his home with his family about him.

Born August 17, 1931 in Barre City, he was the son of Hylas and Blanche (Borry) Bowen and stepson of Arthur Remillard. He attended Spaulding High School and after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949. He served with the 70 ^th Armored Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1952.

On March 19, 1955 he married Mary Ann Paterson in Barre. Following their marriage, they made their home in Barre.

Sonny was first employed as a machinist/welder/fabricator at Smith, Whitcomb and Cook where he helped install and maintain many of the ski lifts in Stowe and Mt. Mansfield. He spent many a cold night on the mountains helping prepare lifts. We heard some great stories of coming down the mountain, in the dark, on shovels. When at Dynapower he fabricated enclosures for industrial power distribution systems. Sonny did take a career detour for about 10 years where he received training and worked in the appliance repair field but did eventually return to fabrication. He was a man of detail and high standards. It was always important to do things the right way.

Sonny loved hunting, fishing, woodworking, golfing, but nothing was more important to him than attending his grandchildren’s events and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Barre Fish and Game Club, the American Legion Post #10 of Barre, the Canadian Club and the VFW Post #790 also of Barre. He loved Vermont and his country, showing this by volunteering as a fireman and placing flags for Veterans in the cemeteries for Memorial Day.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Bowen, of Barre Town; his son Steve Bowen and his wife, Vicky of Reedville, VA; his daughter Linda Boyce and her husband, Tom of Colchester; his daughter Lori Bullock and her husband, Ralf of Barre Town; and his daughter Pam Lenahan and her husband, Joe of Barre; nine grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

His life will be honored and celebrated in the First Presbyterian Church of Barre on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. There are no calling hours. Later interment will be made in the Wilson Cemetery in Barre Town.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.