MIKE BOWLER- Dear Friend
The passing of Mike Bowler is an end of an era.I got to know Mike and his family nearly 50 years ago when my husband, John Jones, served as communications officer for Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS). Throughout my career as a science teacher and administrator in BCPS, I looked to Mike for accurate and in-depth reporting. For him it was not just the issue, but how it affected the people involved. He always gave Baltimore City Schools fair treatment and saw the promise as well as the problems of urban education. We had many discussions-and even arguments- over the years.
His service to Baltimore County as a school board member and frequent volunteer in schools is well documented. Less well known is his recent service to Baltimore City schools. For over ten years Mike Bowler was a member of the Digital Harbor High School Advisory Board, where I served as Assistant Principal. He attended almost every meeting – even in the last few years when he was in failing health. He brought a national, state and local perspective that informed the board.
Mike was the featured speaker at the 2017 induction of the National Honor Society. He reflected on his own induction in high school in Helena, Montana decades before and described the enduring value of scholarship, leadership, character and service for which NHS stands.
Mike and his family made generous contributions to scholarships for Digital Harbor graduates and attended the annual DIGIBALL gala to raise funds.He took personal interest in students and asked about how they were doing in college. His wife, Margaret, gave advice to students on navigating the financial aid maze and tips on how to be successful in college.
“Friends are our family of choice.” It has been my pleasure to be part of the Bowler family and to share many of life’s ups and downs with them over the years. Mike and Margaret have been part of most of the significant occasions in my adult life. I consider their son, Stephen a protegee. His choice of career in the environmental sciences is partially due to my influence- I hope.
In an amazing parallel, while I recuperated from my breast cancer 20 years ago, Mike and Margaret helped care for my husband, John Jones, who was in home hospice. Now Margaret is battling breast cancer and Mike, like John, has completed his journey. The cycle of life continues.
Peace- Andrea Bowden