Dr. Richard W. Bowers passed away peacefully on December 7, 2018, at Bridge Hospice of Bowling Green surrounded by immediate family. He was born June 23, 1938 in Centerburg, Ohio. When Dick was 12, his family moved to Columbus.
Dick graduated from North High School and attended The Ohio State University completing a Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science, and a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. While attending Ohio State, Dick was a member of the track team from 1958-1960. During his time on the team he was elected as co-captain and won the 1960 Big Ten pole vault championship. He continued with the team as an assistant coach of field events during post-graduate studies.
Dick was in the initial group of students under the guidance of Dr. Donald Matthews developing a doctoral degree in Exercise Science. This was a diverse group including students from the United States and Canada many of whom established programs at other universities. In 1969 Dick took a position at Bowling Green State University. He taught statistics classes in the graduate program as well as undergraduate courses in Exercise Science. Dick’s influence and guidance has seen many former students prosper and advance the field. During this time he co-authored multiple editions of Sports Physiology and The Physiological Basis of Physical Education and Athletics. Dick was published in numerous articles and papers as well as authoring a practical manual for Track and Field. Under his guidance, the Fitwell Center was established for any students, faculty, and staff of BGSU.
The early days of developing a discipline of exercise science through research was a passion. He established himself as a Fellow in the College of Sports Medicine. Dick was President of their Mid-West chapter. During research he developed an interest in long distance running. This culminated with multiple marathons including the Boston Marathon. He used the Boston Marathon as an opportunity to raise pledges and awareness for the American Heart Association.
Dick and his wife Carolyn were avid downhill skiers. While at Ohio State University they taught ski classes on the Scarlet and Gray golf course with the help of a snow machine and a towrope. At BGSU Dick taught ski classes, taking his students to Michigan ski resorts. He organized spring break ski trips to the Colorado Rockies. Throughout their years Dick and Carolyn skied many of their bucket list destinations through 2017.
Dick married Carolyn (Osborn) on September 7, 1963. He is survived by his wife, daughter Kathryn (Michael) Pettersen, son David (Suzanne) Bowers, and grandchildren Emily and Zoe Pettersen, Zachary, Maxwell, and Jackson Bowers. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Bowers and stepfather Edward Foster.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday December 11, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. His funeral service will be held Wednesday December 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Amy Miller will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to the Wood County Park District for the Walking Trail or Bridge Hospice in Bowling Green.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Bowers family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
