It is August 2019.... My self-cut hair is just now returning to the length that dad preferred for his youngest daughter, shoulder length with bangs and sides long enough to pull back out of my face...not the cropped too-short mishap styles that happened periodically after one of my hair-cutting mistakes.  This is the perfect time we usually travel to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Certainly miss dad and those visits right about now.

Rusty Bowen was one of my all-time favorite teachers and was an inspiration for me to become a Physical Educator (45+ years, mostly at Mead HS, Spokane). The positive impact that he had on my life is enormous. I actually GOT the teaching job at Mead because of the gymnastics background Rusty gave me! I attended Sealth four years and graduated in 1964 and was so fortunate be in his Gymnastics class and part of the Co-curricular gymnastic team that he created. He was so patient, through and knowledgeable. So much that he taught me I have passed on to thousands of young students and athletes (gymnastic, vb., cross country and track). Rusty's timeless, positive influence glows brightly in many kids he never knew, that were in MY gymnastic classes: when they'd say the experience changed their lives... all because of Coach Bowen. I admired, respected, venerated and treasured Rusty Bowen. He was a major mentor for me and a wonderful example: To be a Teacher first and a Coach second.  His passing is a loss for all... He made the World a BETTER PLACE.
  With Affection,
  Mike Fleming

As I am now 60…running legends and volunteers that helped at all the races are no longer around but because of Rusty I had a great career of 17 years before I hung it up. Chief Sealth continues to have reunions every summer at Lincoln Park where it all began. Thanks for everything Rusty!

The beginning of August has always been the sweet farewell to summer vacation, which often included a journey up to Oak Harbor,WA to visit my dad. Enjoying his BBQ'd anything, marveling over his garden, and treasuring his hugs were highlights of our trip, along with taking in the scenery and reconnecting with family. Now, I journey to the beach to try to feel reconnected. Missing you always dad....Love, Cathy

It’s the Chief Sealth class of 79’s 40th reunion this weekend and I just found out that this great man is not around to share it with him. I was afraid of the HS coach without ever meeting him and almost didn’t even turn out! Rusty made me a runner back in the fall of 76 but won’t be around this year to say hi to! I admit that I would only contact him and Leah Ann every few years but it was always fun to chat with him and catch up. I continued to run for 17 years after that start of x-country season. Loved the sport, loved the Man! Love to you as well Leah Ann!

I taught at Sealth from 1972 til 1982, and during that time, I enjoyed teaching with Rusty and working with him with the track team. He was a great motivator to the track team, and the students loved him for the unconditional dedication that he gave them. He made not just great athletes, but he made great people. I know that those that he worked with will never forget him for his love for everyone. He was in inspiration to me as a teacher. I will not forget him.

I didn't know Rusty well personally, but I knew of him from his sister Pat and her husband, my cousin, Leroy. He was one of those people that you could count on. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him....especially his family.

I first met Rusty in 1954 when I started dating his sister and in 1956 he was member of our wedding party. He was finishing school and then left for military service. In 1958 our family moved from Eastern WA. to Western WA. and we reconnected and then I began to learn about some of the qualities that Rusty had. If he told something he would do and shook your hand it would happen. At one of our family dinners he asked if I would like to go fishing with him. Sure but I am a greenhorn and no equipment I answered. Oh I have enough to get you outfitted so you don't freeze he replied. The next morning at 4AM we were on the river bank of the green river. To this day, I tend to believe that he tied this 6 pound steel head on my line. It took all his training and 18 months before I landed my next one. I figured I had passed all his lessons when one day, it was so crowded on the river, he invited me to stand shoulder to shoulder with him and fish. He was a great brother- in- law may he rest in peace and have crystal clear water to fish in !!!
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To know Rusty is to know he LOVED the outdoors so some of my best memories are of the times our young families would go camping together. The trips always included fishing, outdoor cooking, hiking and chatting around the campfire after the kids were settled in their sleeping bags.
Rusty was my big brother and although he was older, I think he figured I could take care of myself. Occasionally, however, a situation would arise and he was there to help and be supportive.
I will always love and mss my brother!
Patty

I first became acquainted with Rusty through the coaching fraternity when I was the swimming coach and football coach at Garfield High School! Our swim teams competed against each other, and he and I became friends! Later on, we became closer friends through Chuck Terpenning! I had a fishing charter boat I ran in the summers out of Port Angeles! Rusty and Chuck would bring his boat up, and tie up at my boathouse! We had lots of great parties and fishing trips! My wife (Karlista) and I spent some time with Rusty and Leah Ann at their home on Whidbey Island! Rusty was a great friend, and will be very much missed! May God Bless his soul, Leah Ann and his family!  Coach Doug    I forgot to mention, Rusty raised garlic! He knew I loved garlic a s he did! One year, he sent me a box of several varieties he had been growing! It was a wonderful gesture!

I had the pleasure of taking fishing trips with Rusty, Along with Ray & Jeff Carolus. Rusty truly was a master at it, an exceptional outdoors man who loved a good joke along with a shot of whiskey. I'm truly honored and blessed to have known him.

Message from Kimberly Shay:
Keston and I went to see Rusty last Saturday. It has been so long. He smiled and chuckled seeing us. We talked some and joked about me always popping his suspenders every time I would see him.
So glad we got to see him before he passed.
Love and Blessings for him to Rest In Peace.
Love and miss you All.
Warm and Sincerity,
Kimberly Shay