[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 166 (Friday, September 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1019-E1020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD C. BOWMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 24, 2021

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great regret that I rise 
today to mourn and observe the passing of an inspiring individual and 
dedicated public servant, Richard ``Dick'' C. Bowman, of Vernon, 
Connecticut. A passionate educator, devoted firefighter, and a loving 
family man, Dick passed away on September 10, 2021, in his home 
surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 74.
  Born in Oxford, Massachusetts to Harriet and Reverend Paul Bowman, 
Dick moved with his family to Vernon at an early age and remained 
dedicated to his local community throughout his life. After graduating 
from Rockville High School, Dick attended Boston University where he 
received a bachelor's degree in speech pathology and education. From 
there, he propelled his passion for education forward and went on to 
receive a master's in special education from Central Connecticut State 
College as well as a 6th-year degree in educational administration from 
the University of Connecticut. Armed with an impressive degree of 
knowledge, Dick went on to pursue an enriching career in education to 
give back to the school system that had granted him invaluable wisdom 
and a pathway to success. For the next 15 years, Dick was a speech 
pathologist and special education supervisor for the Vernon Board of 
Education where he excelled and made compassion and encouragement the 
top priorities for his students and educators. Soon after, he became an 
assistant principal and interim principal at Rockville High, and even 
after his eventual retirement in 2004, Dick remained dedicated to the 
Vernon community through his committee positions with several 
scholarship and trust organizations.
  Dick's devotion to his community and to service did not stop with his 
work in education. He was a devout member of the Vernon Union 
Congregational Church where he served as a choir member, mentor, 
leader, and committeeman. Dick's care for his community also led him to 
50 years of service as a volunteer fighter for both the Vernon and 
Rockville Fire Departments. During his time, Dick was a member on 
several Department committees and successfully rose to the ranking of 
2nd lieutenant for the Department. As the only active member on both 
the Vernon and Rockville Fire Departments, he became a conduit between 
the two departments and played a key role in unifying Vernon and 
Rockville under one authority. For his efforts in the merge, the Vernon 
Fire Department appointed him as a Charter Member. In January of 2020, 
Dick's unwavering dedication to his community rightfully earned him a 
Life Membership from the Town of Vernon's Fire Department. Even after 
his retirement from active firefighting, Dick

[[Page E1020]]

continued to serve his town through numerous committees for the Vernon 
Fire Department and happily watched his grandson, Adam, become a fifth-
generation Bowman firefighter.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to have the opportunity to represent 
constituents as devoted and caring toward their community as Richard 
Bowman. I have had the honor to represent the Town of Vernon for many 
years in Congress, and have seen firsthand Dick Bowman's diligent work. 
I also live in the town, and am grateful for his efforts to keep the 
town, my neighborhood, and my family safe. Dick leaves behind his wife, 
Carol, alongside two sons, his grandchildren, and his nieces and 
nephews. He loved attending his grandchildren's school and athletic 
events and will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, uncle, 
father, and grandfather. His memory will live on through them and 
reverberate throughout the community he proudly served. To that end, I 
ask that my colleagues and this Chamber join me in setting Richard's 
legacy further into stone, and expressing our deepest respect for 
Richard's work and life.

                          ____________________