Mark Steven Bowers

Mark Steven Bowers was truly a gift from God. Little did he know, he was a beacon of light and a ray of sunshine in everyone’s lives. He was a man of many qualities; love and enthusiasm for life, hard worker, positive outlook, compassionate and a FRIEND to all. He portrayed these qualities by living his life through his actions.  He cared about all the people in his life, his family, friends and co-workers and would do anything for them. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him became his friend. He greeted everyone with his unforgettable smile and was truly happy to see and share time with you while giving you his undivided attention. He enjoyed all that life had to offer. He was an avid traveler, food connoisseur, epic joke teller, music enthusiast, and loved all sports especially the Dolphins, Lobos and Yankees!

Mark dearly loved his wife, Kathleen through 41 years of marriage. They shared the love of family, people, travel and especially the immeasurable love for their sons, Jason and John. He was so proud of them both and the men they have become. He loved spending time with them whenever he could and shared many memories together. He knew how much they loved him. It didn’t matter what they talked about – they always had something to talk and laugh about. In the early years he loved coaching his sons and their friends in the many sports they played. He enjoyed watching Jason play guitar with his band, Pherkad and looked forward to hearing his favorite song, Wrong Way. He shared the love of golf with his son John. Those many days spent together while on the golf course will never be forgotten. Mark and his boys loved talking about any kind of sports and attended many sporting events over the years – Sports, Sports, Sports! One day a daughter-in-law came into his life, so he could spread his love once more. He was so happy for Jason and the bride he chose in Trish. He so loved his special granddaughter, Alyssa from the very beginning and was looking forward to her college graduation in December. She held a special place in his heart and will continue to watch her from his place in heaven above. He considered himself blessed with such a loving additions to his family. His older brother, Alan (whom he enjoyed spending his last days with at the hospital) and wife Mary, sister, Ronda (he called her his favorite sister), their families (AJ, Ashley and Haley) held a special bond in the memories they all shared together. Their early years were spent in many different places like Panama, until their father, Ron retired in ABQ.  Mark loved them all dearly! In 1977, Mark married Kathleen and was immediately embraced by her 5 sisters. They all loved him from the beginning and always thought of him as the brother they never had. Throughout the years, Mark was always there for the family to help out with anything they needed.  The brother-in-laws were all brought into the family one by one, which made Mark very happy to even up the numbers. They hold a bond that will never be forgotten, along with the many memories about Mark they will share for years to come. He had many loving nieces and nephews, which he was so proud of, always gave his undivided attention and showed them how special they were to him.  They know - he loved them ALL.

Mark attended Highland High School in Albuquerque where he made life long friends that he spoke of often with a smile. Right after high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force to see the world and ended up in Alamogordo, NM. There he met more lifelong friends, whom he called his “brothers.” They shared their lives and families with him over the years. They will continue to share a special brotherhood that will never be broken. He will always be with them in spirit. They hold dear the most wonderful memories that will often be told over and over and over again.  

Mark was a hard worker and dedicated employee at Automated Control Systems (ACS). His love, passion, loyalty, and respect for the company, his employers (Randy, Kyle and Ben) and his co-workers, were evident in his 33 years with the company. Mark considered them all family. He spent the last few years at ACS working at Facebook in NC and Los Lunas. There he met many wonderful people whom he spoke of often with admiration. He also worked at Home Depot for 17 years, as a part-time employee. His love for helping people and the relationships with his co-workers brought him back every weekend.  He considered them family as well.

Mark touched lives with who ever crossed his path. His last 2 weeks in the hospital was spent meeting the other patients and their families while making friends. He stopped in their doorways to cheer them on always with a smile and hopefully to brighten their day. This made him very happy in the fight with his own illness. The nurses that cared for him were very special people that gave him the strength to carry on. They spent many hours talking, as he shared his life with them. He loved Lorraine, who truly cared about him and with whom he had a special bond. Mark told me one day he had a nurse named Woody, which made him so happy because he loved the Disney movie Toy Story. Both nurses had such heart and will continue the strength and love for caring for people. Aren’t we lucky! He had many visitors and phone calls from all the people he loved, which made him very happy and always lifted his spirits. A dear friend, Joe said he went to the hospital to cheer up Mark and said Mark cheered him up. This is so much like who Mark was. He loved all and in his last days he was able to see how much he was loved. Not many people get to know how much they are loved. What a gift you gave him.

Mark enjoyed all that life had to offer. Although he has written his last chapter, the book is still open for his legacy to live on in all of us. He would want us to live life to the fullest, be happy, make a difference, hug your families, laugh and LOVE ALL.  Our world was a better place because of him.  God Bless You, Honey.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org