Edwin Warren Bowden, 86, passed away peacefully on July 2 in Camden. He was born in Rockland on Aug. 21, 1927 and graduated from Portsmouth High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII and the Korean Conflict.
Following his military discharge, Ed went to work for JJ Newberry and was promoted to manager of the Berlin, N.H. store. Later, he relocated to the store in Rockland. He left Newberry to start his own businesses, Barden’s Gift and Candle Shop and the Golden Harvest. During that time period, he became good friends with Bob Reny, founder and owner of Renys, and ended up working with him for many years. Ed was also appointed to the Maine State Liquor Commission by Governor Joseph Brennan. The commission was later combined with Maine State Lottery Commission where Ed served for 20 years. In 2001, he retired from R.H. Reny, Inc.
His loving wife, Irene, pet name Pelchi B, passed away in 2002. One of his favorite things to do was cruise on Holland America Lines on which he had accumulated over 450 days.
Surviving are his children, Robert Bowden, Cynthia Lester, and Patricia Dee; sister, Beverly Simmons; grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathanial, Rachael, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren, Teagan and Reese.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m., Sun., July 13 at the Camden Yacht Club, 68 Bay View St., Camden.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to P.A.W.S., P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.
Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain St., Camden.
