William Kent Bowman

Kent died in Providence St. Vincent’s ER on July 6, 2020.  He was born in Hilo, Hawaii on March 14, 1940 the son of Wright Elemakule Bowman and Elizabeth Kalei Whittington Bowman.  He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Wrighto Bowman.  He was deeply loved by his surviving wife of 59 years, Arlene “Brenda” Bowman, sons William P. Bowman of San Jose, California & Walter H. Bowman of Webster, New York, one granddaughter and 2 grandsons, Sister, Lee Claire Graham O’Neill (Jack) of Walnut Creek, California, Brother in law Robert Tai (Teri) of Tempe, Arizona, Sisters-in-law Karen Moke (Herman) of Hilo, Hawaii and Toni Agpawa (Lorenzo) of Las Vegas, Nevada and numerous well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was a proud member of the Kamehameha Schools class of '59.  Kent was a gifted artist and designer who enjoyed creating one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, especially in koa, model canoes, carvings, ceramics, games and other pieces reflecting his Hawaiian heritage.  He also worked alongside his father on many commissions in Hawaii, he loved crafting the Kamehameha chapel’s special furnishings.  Some of his creations were generously given to family and friends wherever we lived.  His shop was an open and welcoming spot where he shared his many skills.

Kent grew up in Honuapo, Ka’u on the Big Island of Hawaii and in Honolulu.  He served in the US Marine Corps reserves, attended Honolulu Art Academy, New York Technical School, Honolulu Community College and UHH.  His long 56 year working career started as an Ironworker in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin through design engineer, production and project manager for among others Pacific Welding, Honoka’a Sugar, Hilo Iron Works, EE Black, Foga Systems in California ending with Madden Fabrication in Portland.

We have been celebrating his life with those who visit our home – filled with his mana and all the tokens of his love which bring joy to the eye.  His form follows function and thoughtful attention to detail was to ensure our aging in place and now serves to ease life for Brenda.  Kent made matching Birdseye Koa urns for us and when its time, our family will take us back to Hawaii for a visit in the Kamehameha Chapel before scattering us in our beloved ocean.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Kent Bowman, please visit our floral store.