Lloyd Bowles, MD

A third generation native Californian, Bowles began private practice in Sacramento in 1956, after graduating from the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons in 1954 and completing his training in family practice at Los Angeles County General Hospital.

Those in attendance were invited to celebrate a life which was truly bountiful. Memories and recollections were shared, blending the sorrow of his passing with joy of his life.

Lloyd Bowles served as a B-17 bomber pilot in the European theater during World War II Years later he would tell stories about the war, and many of them could have been episodes from Catch 22.

His tenacity and dedication served him well as a physician. He was remembered by the medical community as a caring, passionate and giving physician, who always had time to listen. He was a mentor to younger physicians, especially in the north area; I was fortunate to have been one of them.

And he was willing to give whatever it took to help his patients, whom he called his friends. His dedication to the practice of medicine was a model for the rest of us. He would probably still be practicing had his health not begun to fail him about three years ago.

Dr. Bowles was the type of person who would do the right thing even when no one was watching. For a number of years, he was the physician for the football team at Grant Union High School. When poor students couldn't afford shoes, he made sure they got them. These were anonymous acts of kindness; the football players never knew who their benefactor was.

He also had a number of political and persuasive skills. He had a way of giving people the right to be wrong, yet opening them up to another point of view. He would have been an outstanding Congressman or legislator had he so chosen.

As it was, he compiled an impressive medical leadership resumé. He served as President of the Sacramento-El Dorado Medical Society, Chief of Staff of Mercy San Juan Hospital, Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Practice at the UC Davis School of Medicine, Medical Director of the Medical Clinic of Sacramento, and Medical Director of the Mercy Home Health service.

In private life, one of his passions was golf, and he was well-known at the Northridge Country Club.

Bowles is survived by his wife of 34 years, Shirley Ann Bowles, and his children, Darlene Bowles, Susan Couch, Karen Bowles, Nancy Brandmueller, and Kimberly Hoffelt.

Donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Northern California, 1600 Sacramento Inn Way, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95815 or to the charity of the donors' choice.

-By James T. Hansen, MD