BOMBER MEMORIAL

CHARLES DEAN "SKIP" FOWLER ~ Class of 1967 Honorary
March 23, 1948 - May 15, 2020



This obituary is written in the memory of Charles Dean Fowler, better known as Skip, so that we may acknowledge and share the joy in the gift of his life.

"Skip passed away at the age of 72 on May 15, 2020 in his Richland home with his family. A private memorial will be held with the family. He was born on March 23, 1948 in Pendleton, OR to Charles Laverne Fowler and Dorma La Deane Kelly. He grew up in Richland. Skip attended the College of Engineering at the University of Columbia- Missouri and Southwest Technical Institute in St. Louis. MO.

Skip was our hero. He voluntarily joined the service and served his country honorably as a Combat Engineer in the U. S. Army. Skip earned several commendations for his selfless service in the Vietnam War. The discipline and patriotism not only from his military service but also from his upbringing never left him, as his friends and family will attest.

Skip's motto was, 'Can't never did anything.' He was a very hard worker. He worked as a City Engineer in Washington, MO and was an accomplished Senior Civil Engineer in St. Louis, MO, employed by H.O.K. & Associates and Fruco Engineers. During this time in the 1980s, Skip was critical to culturally significant Engineering projects such as the redevelopment and rehabilitation of Historic Laclede's Landing Commercial Riverfront District. Before his retirement in the 2000s, Skip was a Civil Engineer at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Throughout his effectual career, he also worked as a surveyor, draftsman, and designer.

Skip persevered through a great deal of personal tragedy in his life. In 1985, after the passing of his children's' mother, Skip moved with his children back to Richland, Washington to care for his late father, and accepting the noble role as a caregiver. During this same period, Skip was becoming a single parent doing his best to raise his three children on his own.

Skip's life was devoted to his family and the outdoors. He was an avid and accomplished hunter, angler, marksman, fishing guide, and was a youth soccer coach for many years. He was well known, respected, and loved by many on the Columbia River and across the Pacific Northwest.

Skip is survived by his two daughters, Jeanine McGrory and Michelle Fowler; son, Charles Michael Fowler; and four grandchildren: Charles Alexander, Kathryn, Jacqueline and Joseph. This family and his role as grandfather were everything to him. Skip was a wise man. He passed on the following words of wisdom to his children and grandchildren, 'Always follow your heart, believe in yourself, and you can do anything if you tried.' His family is where he drew his strength and left his legacy. This is a wonderful legacy and a great example to follow. Keep focused on what is truly important, not only when your life is easy, but when it is difficult too. The country he protected, people he cared for, and the love he showed to all of us will live on and be with us even now that he has gone to be with God."

NOTE: Skip attended Spalding Grade School, Carmichael Junior High School and was with the Class of 1967 at Richland's Columbia High School.

He played Pony League, and per Ed Temple ('67), "Skip was one of those guys who always had the gift of being able to get hits."

Skip served in the U. S. Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 and was then discharged in 1969.

His brother, Don ('68), passed away September 2, 2007.

Written by Skip on June 16, 2009.

"About Me":

"I live in Eastern Washington State. I was born in March of 1948. I am retired but I sometimes guide for fishing and that keeps me out of trouble.

I have been single for many years. I have four lovely grandchildren, two girls and two boys.

Music is an important part of my life. I am a romantic at heart. I would rather be hurt than to hurt anyone. Find me a mountain river with a cabin next to it, a hot tub on the deck, a fire going in the fireplace and a Special Lady, and I would be in bliss. Just to look into my partner's eyes and see the depths within, to touch and be touched. To enjoy conversation and the freedom of being ourselves.

I know that all of this is possible because if not, then what is the purpose of love and life. If I never find my Special Lady, I know that I have been truly blessed just for knowing what can be: Music, Love Songs, Oldies, R & B, Funk, Pop & Blues, Films, TV Shows, Movies. Definitely, maybe: TV Dramas and Documentaries, History and Sports Activities. The Computer, of course, Visiting Family and Friends, My Music, Travel, Fishing and Making New Friendships. Love it: Kindness, Compassion and Honest People. A walk on a starry summer's night, along a river shore, arm in arm with a Special Lady. The smiling faces and laughter of children. Awwww, but the age of innocence. I would love to find a blossom, nurture it, let it grow and become a beautiful flower and treasure it for eternity."

A poem written by Skip:

When I'm lost in this world just shuffling along
With my spirits down and all on my own.
When I reach the end of the road with no direction in sight
I know I should turn left but then I turn right.
As the path I follow is the path of my heart.
I thank God for my Country and all that I have,
For there's no where on earth that can give anymore.
Oh dear God I love living because I know there's so much more.
This life of mine is but just one of many.
With you Dear God, I know I can't do wrong.
As weak as I am, with you, I am strong.
So give me today and all it's sadness
And I'll find a way to turn my tomorrows into gladness.
For with all there's hope and so much promise.
With you guiding the way and shedding your love upon us.
God, with your love that's so bright and so true.
I'll be that last one to carry the Red, White and Blue.

Einan's at Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Guest book.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).