Obituary - Gary Owen Bowker

Gary Owen Bowker, 67, of Rudyard, Mt., passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Regions Hospital in St Paul, Minnesota surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Gary was born June 16, 1953, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Owen and Gertrude Bowker. The family moved to Kevin, MT, where he completed grade school and then moved to Cut Bank, MT, where he graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1972.

He followed his dreams by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged as a sergeant. 

Gary married the love of his life, Cheryl Lind Bowker, June 9, 1973. After discharge from the Marines, they moved back to Cut Bank, where he began his career in the oilfield. After the Cut Bank refinery closed, the family spent the next 29 years raising their kids in Watford City, ND. The love for Montana brought him back to Rudyard, which he called home for 15 years.

He loved to share his passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and a good game of cards or marbles. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends and sharing his mountain cabin with everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of 48 years; son, Matthew Bowker (Robin), grandchildren Kaleb, Ashlynn and Sydney of Hastings, MN; daughter, Amber Bowker, grandchildren Kallie and Karsen of Spokane Valley, WA, Dalton Haveman and Sonya Liang (Tommy) and great-grandchild Layton of Arizona; brother, David Bowker (Kim), and sisters, Karen Omsberg (Ronnie), Sandra Johnson (Tom), Rita Bowker, Juanita Burson (Craig), and many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, Owen Bowker, and mother, Gertrude Bowker.

A memorial Service will be held at New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Rudyard, MT Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Cut Bank, MT, Saturday April 10, 2021, at 2 p.m. with full military honors. 

Memorials may be sent to New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Rudyard, MT, the Rudyard Historical Society Depot Museum or charity of your choice.