Mike Bowen

Visitation: Tuesday, November 4, 2003 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Colstrip and on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church

Funeral Services: Thursday, November 6, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Colstrip

Michael F. Bowen, age 51, of Colstrip, Montana passed away Sunday night, November 2, 2003 of natural causes while on his way home.

Mike was born on December 7, 1951 in Olean, New York the only son of Carl A and Marion L. (Ford) Bowen. The family made Ferndale, Washington their home in the year 1953. This is where Mike attended his primary education years of schooling until receiving his diploma from Ferndale High School. Following graduation, Mike moved to Yakima, Washington where he had previously enrolled at J. M. Perry Institute of Technology in the Instrumentation course. March 27, 1971 he married Kristine Van Wingerden in his hometown of Ferndale. The young couple made their home in Yakima until Mike finished tech school. Upon graduation from tech school, Mike was employed by Taylor Instrument Company and relocated to Portland, Oregon. In 1974, at the age of 23, Mike purchased a partnership in the Technical Assistance Corporation located in Billings, Montana. In August of 1981, Mike began employment with the Montana Power Company, in Colstrip, where the family made their permanent home.

Mike contributed much of his time and talents to his brothers/sisters of the IBEW Local 1638. He was an officer and leader of the Negotiation Committee for many years.Mike cherished his long time friends and liked making new friends while pursuing his avid enjoyment of hunting, fishing and working with his horses. He truly enjoyed the good times, with good people.

Mike is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Kris Bowen, of Colstrip. His two sons: Bret Bowen of Colstrip and Scot Bowen and his daughter-in-law Dymond of Ashland, Montana along with his grandchildren: Danielle Bowen, Kimberlee Bowen, Cody Bowen and Elyna Bowen. His is also survived by his mother, Marion L. Bowen and sister Barbara Loop, both of Boise, Idaho.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2003 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Colstrip. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6, at 10:00 am also in the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. A Remembrance party will be held at Bret Bowens residence, of 3042 Cheyenne Drive, Colstrip, immediately following services.