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In memory of

Leonard Joseph Bowman

Lewes, DE, USA

February 4, 1941 - December 27, 2020

Feb 4, 1941 - Dec 27, 2020

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Leonard Joseph Bowman:
Scholarship, Social Justice, Hope

Philosopher, theologian, writer, collaborator, mentor, guest lecturer, television/radio commentator and dedicated teacher, Len was inherently an educator-- one who leads by drawing out and bringing forth that which exists within. He shared his vast knowledge and experience with his ever present though very dry sense of humor. A college professor for nearly fifty years, he held his longest tenures on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, MD (2001-2020) and Teikyo Marycrest University, IA (1973-1997). He also served as part of the leadership and on the faculty at Wesley College, DE (1999-2001) College of Notre Dame, MD (1997-1999). His first college level course was teaching night school at Fordham University in 1971. Recognized for his ability to bring administration and faculty together, Len rose to Vice President of Academic Affairs at three of the schools where he worked. He was recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Award from Johns Hopkins University in 2015.

Constantly writing, Len contributed to many articles and authored these books: Hope Against Hope: Toward Hope Beyond Hope, 2001; A Retreat with St. Bonaventure, 1993; The Importance of Being Sick, 1976; A Moral GPS: A Positive Ethic for Our Multicultural World, 2017, ebook.

Len was a lifelong learner. His official education includes Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Certificate in Higher Education Administration 1995; Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California The Great Chain of Being in World Perspective, 1985; Yale University, Greek Fathers, 1979; Fordham University, Doctorate in Philosophy in Religion and Literature, 1967-1973; University of Detroit, Master of Arts in English Literature, 1963-1967; Duns Scotus College, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, 1959-1963.

Len lived to serve. A social justice activist, he was drawn to the priesthood in his twenties. He was active in the civil rights movement of the late 60’s, running relief during race riots in Cincinnati and Detroit. He was part of the Sanctuary Movement providing safe passage for those fleeing El Salvador to Canada in the 80’s. He volunteered for hospice at St. Luke’s hospital in Davenport, IA. Len was regarded as the spiritual leader of the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, offering courses as part of the Adult Learning Program and serving as co-chair of the Religious Education Committee and as secretary on the Board of Trustees, lovingly referred to as “Len the Pen.”

Len lived in hope. “Hope is power," Len's words from his address to the UUSD congregation on July 5th 2020. "It’s common to think that the opposite of hope is despair. Uh, uh, say thinkers who have lived through despair. They say hope takes over on the far side of despair, keeps us striving no matter what. No, the opposite of hope is apathy, complacency, indifference in the face of injustice. The opposite of hope also is fear that closes people off from one another and sets people against one another...How does hope respond to the crisis of our historic time? Hope is power from within, power within each of us, power that each of us has to awaken that same power in one another, power to work for justice and strive for a loving world. Power to keep on pushing, no matter what...Hope enables and empowers not just resistance but persistence; not just NO to injustice, exploitation, and hatred; but steady, prudent building of justice, equity, and compassion...Hope faces a huge challenge—like this historic time that is our time—with effort and action...Hope lets us question assumptions that have been part of the taken-for-granted foundation of our lives … because our trust in life and in the future is deeper and more flexible than such assumptions. In hope we know we can go on, change, redirect ourselves, grow, deepen—and love.”

Len is remembered as a beloved partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was an elaborate and whimsical gardener, an avid appreciator of nature and the arts, an accomplished amatuer electrician and an old van renovator. He enjoyed spirited conversations, helping others, singing, and sitting quietly outdoors thinking or simply being.

Leonard Joseph Bowman was born on February 4th, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan as the youngest child of five and only son of Joseph Leonard Bowman and Margaret Hughes Bowman. He died December 27th, 2020 in Lewes, Delaware at age 79 as a result of complications in surgery. Len donated his body to science through the Anatomy Gifts Registry, https://www.anatomygifts.org.

Len is survived by life partner and biggest fan Jena Hom of Lewes, Delaware; daughters Emily, Sarah and Claire; grandchildren Cecilia and Elliot, step-daughter Dayna; step-grandchildren Piper and Gwynn; sisters Constance Celeste and many nieces, nephews, grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews. Len is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Kathy and Joy and his wife of twenty-five years, Anne.

No formal service is planned at this time.

Donations for a memorial garden in honor of Len are being accepted at the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, 30486 Lewes Georgetown Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958 https://uussd.org/generosity-… and the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, https://donate.splcenter.org/

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to UUSD or Southern Poverty Law Center.

Learn more & give