Memories of Garry George Bowie

In memory of

Garry George Bowie

Lakewood, CA, USA

January 24, 1961 - April 7, 2020

Jan 24, 1961 - Apr 7, 2020

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Andy Sacher

Garry and I shared a passion for LGBTQ+ History. He greatly appreciated the Lavender LA Exhibit & book that I helped to create in 2009. A few years later he installed a wonderful exhibit on the Leather & Biker Community. Garry was extremely helpful when I launched a new LGBTQ+ Heritage & Culture organization, and as a result, my entry into the nonprofit sector was more informed and strategic. I know Garry helped many people and I share their deep sadness. My loving condolences to Jeff Wacha, family, friends and clients.

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Jeff Wacha

Richard Grennon

David Teichman

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Alex Kitay

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Alex Kitay

Garry, you are missed.

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Jeff Wacha

Matthew Jensen

Garry was a light who brightened the world around everyone he met, I'll never forget him.

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Jeff Wacha

Richard Grennon

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Sister Magically Delicious

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Becky Hardin

Jeff Wacha

Becky Hardin

2020, Long Beach, CA, USA

I answered an ad for a sales representative position at a boutique card and gift store in spring of 2003. I had just moved back to the Long Beach area after an acrimonious divorce. Other than my family, I had few friends in the area. I was starting completely over. I am not ashamed to admit that I was a bit lost.

On the day of the interview, I waited patiently for my turn. I was the last candidate. I was directed to a bistro table outside of the gift store. The noise of Broadway’s traffic fueled my nervousness. I really wanted this job. But the moment Garry Bowie appeared, I was at ease. It was unlike any interview I had ever had. We talked about our customer service philosophies; the customer service book he was working on; and we talked as if we were old friends reconnecting after time apart. At some point, Garry’s partner walked by having returned from the bank and errands. He said aloud, “You’re still here? Two hours! Are you gonna’ hire the girl or what?”

Garry and Jeff did hire me. I secured a job, but I also gained friends who were really more like family. Garry could get me impassioned and fired up about an injustice or an idea. He was a trusting and inspirational mentor and friend—I feel compelled to finally write the book he always encouraged me to start. His energy was unbridled working overnight in the store and generating a parade of marketing ideas all while steering The Long Beach AIDS Foundation and Long Beach AIDS Walk. It was impossible to keep up.

But the thing that I am going to miss the most is his love of laughter. Whether he was cackling at my screams at Knott’s Scary Farm; belly laughing at gift shows; pizza/wine dinners out after a long day; or losing his composure at my responses to learning about the leather community and the contents of their ‘fridge—time spent with Garry always included uproarious laughter. The sound of it at my stories or insights filled me with tremendous pride. I loved to tell him things hoping for that response. I cannot imagine Garry not wandering into my office at Being Alive anymore to spend time chatting, sharing, and laughing about my experiences and general misadventures.

I have known Garry for 17 years...as my boss, my executive director, my mentor, my friend, my family, my confidant, my cheerleader, my guide, and my inspiration. He always understood my need to lead a life of passion, purpose, and fulfillment. He also longed for me to find a life of joy. I am better for working, living, and laughing beside him.

One of the last chats we had was about the brilliance of Emma Thompson as a writer and an actor. If he could see me carrying on as I write this, I know he’d quote Thompson’s character from his favorite holiday movie “Love Actually”:

“Get a grip. People hate sissies. No one’s ever going to shag you if you cry all the time.”

He’d chuckle and walk away with his hands folded praying mantis-style at the front of his chest with that glint in his eye. Oh that mischievous glint.

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