Memorial services set for author Charles Bowden (updated)

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Most of you have heard by now that famous Southwest author Charles “Chuck” Bowden passed away in Las Cruces, New Mexico on August 30 due to failing health, at age 69. I wrote a brief article (click here) announcing this sad news.  Bowden used to live here in Tucson in my neighborhood near the UA.

The Arizona Daily Star has printed an obituary today (click here) with details of the upcoming memorial services for this literary man:

November 1, 2 to 5 p.m. at  Rock Corral Ranch in Tumacacori, south of Tucson. Take I-19 to Exit 29, drive south on East Frontage rd. for 1/2 mile, turn right at Rock Corral Ranch Rd., pass under the freeway to the ranch.

Another service is also planned for those in Las Cruces, NM on September 28. UPDATE: See our Blog for AZ Calendar for details, service at 2 p.m.

I first heard Bowden passionately read from one of his books at Reader’s Oasis, an independent bookstore on  Speedway Blvd. which is no longer in existence in Tucson. I didn’t know him well, but I spend some hours once getting to know him after a town hall years ago.  I was impressed by his wealth of knowledge and literature, but we also shared the similarity of having half Japanese American/bi-racial sons born & raised in Tucson.  By chance I knew his former partner Debbie who was  an activist parent when their son Jesse  was at University High School.

Once I heard Chuck speak of “The Little Flowers of Saint Francis” which he said was his favorite book on Arizona Illustrated/Channel 6 PBS. I now own two copies of this book, and read it often, as I admire St. Francis of Assisi very much, and have visited his Basilica there in Italy a number of times.

So besides reading Chuck Bowden’s numerous and graphic books about Mexico and the border with the United States, pick up a copy of this little St. Francis book, for lessons in  wisdom  and strength during your life.

Rest in peace (and power), Chuck.

 

 

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5 thoughts on “Memorial services set for author Charles Bowden (updated)”

  1. Please let me know details of 9/28 memorial service.

    I read many of his books and unfortunately never met him, although a friend of mine in West Texas was a friend of his and we had talked of paying him a visit shortly before hearing, devastatingly sadly, of his death.

    Thank you for paying well deserved respects to him; he was fearless and inspiring, beyond comparison on both counts.

    Thank you, again

    JE

    • The Bowden family & Molly Molloy invite you to a memorial celebration…
      Down by the River…Rhapsody for Charles Bowden

      Sunday afternoon, September 28,

      at the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

      5000 Calle del Norte, Mesilla, NM 88046 575-523-4398

      The park will be open for the event from noon until five. Come early to walk park trails along the Rio Grande.

      Service to start at two o’clock.

      Words, music & memories for our dear friend Chuck. Wine, lemonade & light refreshments.

      If you wish, bring a photo or memento to place on an altar for Chuck. Dress casual, wear comfortable shoes. Bring binoculars for birdwatching. If you have a light-weight camp chair, bring it along. Plastic water bottles recommended. No glass bottles permitted in the park.

      For more information, contact Molly Molloy mollymolloy@gmail.com 575-680-6463

  2. Than you for sharing. I just saw Chuck in June, and I told him I had just finished reading St. Francis by Kazantzakis, which was so beautifully written and also so intense, he said he had to put that on his to read list. I will miss his this man, the books we shared, the humorous side of him his delicious food and how he loved his hummingbirds. Thank you, again.

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