Bruce A. Bowker

Bruce was born in Silver Creek, on April 12, 1947, the son of the late Homer Bowker, Jr., who died July 22, 2019 and Jean (Witter) Bowker.

He served in the NYS Army National Guard for 6 years and was the owner of the former B&C Enterprises, Forestville, for 22 years. Bruce served one term on the School Board for Forestville Central School, was a past member of J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Forestville, Hanover Lodge #152 F&AM, a 32nd Degree Mason, the Forestville, Fredonia & Canadaway Chapters Order of Eastern Stars, where he served as Patron more than 12 times, was also a past member of the Gowanda Shrine Club Mini Bike Group.

Bruce was an AFS exchange host father to Terhi Kupila of Finland for the 1995-1996 school year and Hanna Alstrup Vang of the Faroe Islands for the 2000-2001 school year. He coached T-Ball, softball & youth soccer.

Bruce was an avid self-taught woodworker, making furniture and outdoor pieces for family members and friends. He enjoyed traveling and camping. Since his retirement, he has visited many of the National Parks and National Monuments west of the Mississippi and most of the Civil War Battlefield Parks. Bruce’s first love was always his family.

Survivors include his wife Claudia C. (Campaign) Bowker, of Amargosa Valley, Nev., whom he married June 5, 1971, in Forestville, a daughter, Melissa (Andrew) Bowker-Kinley, of Falmouth, Maine; and a son, Travis Bowker, of Las Vegas, Nev. Also surviving are 3 grandchildren Alexander, Christopher and Katherine Kinley.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother Barry Bowker.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday morning, July 28 in the Forestville Cemetery, with pastor Rebecca Ward officiating. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance will be limited to a maximum of 50 people. There will be no prior visitation, face masks and social distancing will be required at the request of the family.

The family suggests memorials may be made either to the Forestville Food Pantry, PO Box 309, Forestville, N.Y. 14062 or to Amargosa Valley Community Library, 1660 E. Amargosa Farm Road, Amargosa Valley, Nev. 89020.

Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home in Forestville.

To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolley funeralhome.com.