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In Memoriam

Leonard Bowman

September 27, 1941 – January 25, 2013

CILS is saddened by the death of the Chairman for the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria. "He's been the ambassador for the tribe, for us." said Vice Chairman Dakota McGinnis, Jr.. Chairman Bowman was starting his third term as chairman, and had served on the council for nine years. The following appears courtesy of the Eureka Times-Standard, "Leonard Smith Bowman passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 in his home at the age of 71. Leonard was born on September 27, 1941 in Fortuna, Ca to Leonard Putman Bowman and Lucille Bowman Brenard. Leonard was raised on the old Bear River Rancheria for the majority of his childhood by both his parents and grandparents Smith and Jesse Brenard. When Leonard was 16 years old he left Humboldt County to live with his aunt Ilene June Callahan in Sacramento, Ca where he began his first job at Hooten Tires. Leonard moved to Idaho a few years later to work for the Forestry Service. In the early 70's Leonard started a career as a long haul truck driver. During his career he met and married his soul mate, Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman, on June 06, 1976 in Webster Massachusetts. After retiring from truck driving Leonard and his wife Ellie managed coastal resorts all along the East Coast. In 1996 Leonard with his wife and children moved back to Humboldt County to assist his Tribe, Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria, in developing an economical future. In 2004 Leonard Smith Bowman ran for and was elected the Tribal Chairman of Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria and served as the Tribal Chairman until his death. Leonard Smith Bowman's legacy as an influential Tribal leader is shown through his accomplishments and the successful enterprises he pursued. Leonard Smith Bowman was preceded in death by his loving wife Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman on December 29, 2012, his mother Lucille Bowman-Brenard, father Leonard Putman Bowman, grandparents Smith and Jesse Brenard, brother Kenneth Bowman and sister Diana Bowman. Leonard is survived by his aunt Ilene June Callahan, mother-in-law Goldie Ehrhardt, children Leonard A. Bowman, Randall Bowman, James Bowman, Dawn Bowman, Jeffery Bowman, Derek Bowman, Stormy Bowman and numerous cousins, grandchildren and extended family members. A Memorial Service and luncheon will be held on Sunday, February 03, 2013 from 12:00pm-4:00pm at the Tish Non Community Center in Loleta, Ca.” (Eureka Times-Standard published January 30, 2013.) CILS honors the memory of Chairman Bowman and offers condolences to the extended Bowman family and the Tribe.