Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Charles William “Bill” Bowman II passed away surrounded by those who loved him following a short battle with cancer. One of his final wishes was simple: “Make it to my birthday.” And he did.
Surrounded by family, Bill celebrated his birthday (Party) just hours before his passing, blowing out his candles and sharing in the love of those closest to him. It was a birthday they will always remember—not only because he made it to the day he had hoped for, but because they were able to celebrate it together.
Bill was the son of the late Erdine Murray and Charles William Bowman. He was also predeceased by his beloved brother, John “Johnny B” Bowman, and his niece, Jessica Bowman, John’s daughter.
Raised in the Wilmington and Andover, Massachusetts area, Bill also spent much of his younger years alongside his grandparents, where farm life and horses became a familiar part of his upbringing. Later in life, he had the opportunity to own the family farm in Mason, New Hampshire, for a time.
Some of Bill’s earliest and fondest memories were rooted in horses. That connection stayed with him throughout his life. Whether he was taking on a project at a horse barn or sharing a day at the racetrack with his beloved brother, Johnny B, he was never very far removed from that world.
Perhaps unexpectedly, that circle eventually came all the way around when Bill found himself with granddaughters who developed their own passion for the equestrian world—something that gave him yet another connection to the horses that had been part of his story from the beginning.
Bill later settled in Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he raised his family and started his own construction business specializing in framing. Through years of hard work and word of mouth, he built a reputation that provided him continued work until his illness made it no longer possible.
Later in life, Bill shared many wonderful years with his loving partner, Leslie Skeadas. Their story began at the Century House Condos at Hampton Beach, where Bill was renovating several of the units and Leslie had recently made one of the small condos her home. In the evenings, neighbors would gather outside, often joined by Bill and Johnny B, sharing drinks, conversation, perhaps a fire, and very often something Leslie had cooked. It was through those simple evenings among friends that Bill and Leslie came to know one another, and a life together began.
They remained close to the place where their story started, eventually making their home in Hampton just a short distance from Century House. Life together was filled with many simple pleasures—time spent at the marina during their brief adventure as boat owners, days at the beach, and their once-familiar walks near the beach. There were plenty of lazy Sunday drives with no particular destination in mind, sometimes leading to an antique shop, a stop for flowers, or simply a day spent puttering around together before heading home.
Home itself became one of their favorite places. Bill and Leslie took great pride in their beautiful yard and could often be found tending to flowers, working in the vegetable garden, or simply sitting together on the deck enjoying what they had created.
And then there was Bill’s beloved 1968 Mustang convertible. It may not have always been particularly interested in staying running, but that never diminished Bill’s affection for it. When the Mustang cooperated, even a quick ride close to home or a trip up and down the strip was enough to enjoy a car he treasured.
Bill is survived by his loving life partner, Leslie Skeadas; his sister, Paula Knox; and his three sons, Charles “Billy” Bowman III and his wife, Amy, of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts; Joseph Bowman of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Michael Bowman and his wife, Gina, of Plaistow, New Hampshire.
He also leaves Leslie’s son, William Dubois, and his wife, Cheryl, of North Andover, Massachusetts.
Bill was the proud grandfather of Will, Andrew, Bailey, Skylar, Michael, Averie, Braidon, Lacie, Briellen, Rouille Bowman, and Lucas and Levi Dubois, as well as the proud great-grandfather of Montana Bowman.
He is also survived by his nieces, Louise Shorey and Heidi Knox. Bill also leaves his nephew, Jacob Bowman, son of his late brother John. Bill and Jacob shared a bond that went far beyond that of uncle and nephew; Bill was, in so many ways, a father figure in Jacob’s life. He is also survived by Jacob’s wife, Maryann, and their young daughters of Quebec, Canada.
More than the things Bill built during his lifetime, his legacy can be found in the people and family connections he leaves behind—in sons and grandchildren, in skills passed from one generation to another, in horses and old cars, in stories of Johnny B, in Sunday drives, gardens, days at the beach, and in the ordinary moments that ultimately become the ones remembered most.
Family and friends are invited to join us for a graveside service at Wildwood Cemetery, 233 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, on Saturday, September 12th at 12:00 noon followed by a Celebration of Life at Rocco’s Restaurant, 193 Main St., Wilmington. Those who are unable or prefer not to attend the graveside service are warmly welcomed to join the family at the Celebration of Life to pay their respects, share memories, and celebrate Bill’s life.
In keeping with Bill and Leslie’s love of their garden, the family plans to bring the flowers/plants home following the services to be enjoyed and planted in his memory.
Floral Recommendation:
THE GREEN GRIFFIN
96 ROUTE 125
KINGSTON, NH. 03848
LOCAL: (603) 347-1957
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