Willie Bowers

Willie Grant Bowers, 71, passed away December 4th peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Willie is survived by his wife Maureen and his two sons Willie (Augie) and Christian and his grandchildren Jackson, Nikolas and Annalise. Willie also leaves behind his sister Cheryl, brother in-law Rick and two nieces Bridget and Ashely as well as his grandniece Nataleigh.

Willie was a graduate of Sullivan County Community College with a degree in culinary arts and served as a Sergeant in the United States Army as a Personal Chef/Valet to General Stillwater while stationed in D.C. during the Vietnam War.

Willie worked with Sullivan County Office for the Aging for 32 years showing compassion, love and respect to all his clients. Through the years, Willie participated in many social and environmental activities. He was a member of the Delaware River Keepers and was a lifelong advocate for peace and social justice.

Willie passed away due to a rare degenerative genetic disorder. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Willie managed his illness with dignity, strength and grace.

Willie was a lover of music both playing (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, drum circles, and singing) and listening to all genres of music. Those who knew Willie knew him for his contagious smile and his dancing, if there was music, he would be on the dance floor. Willie loved attending live concerts and festivals and sharing the experience with his family and friends.

Willie loved to spend time outdoors hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing and ice skating. He loved to garden, recycle and compost and always encouraged people to leave the world behind better than they found it.

In his memory we would like to ask for all who knew and loved him to plant a tree this spring in his memory. If you would like to make a financial donation we would ask that you make it to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Willie was an inspiration to all who knew him and he left behind a beautiful legacy of compassion, tolerance and unconditional love.

A private gathering will be held for Willie in the months to come.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe, NY. 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 www.Harris-FH.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a tree being planted in Willie's honor.