Ronald R. Bowers, our beloved father, grandpa, and husband died of natural causes on April 12, 2023 in Boise, Idaho with his loving wife and children by his side. Ron was born on July 4, 1940, in Spencer, Iowa and grew up on the rural plains there until relocating to California.

While attending college he developed a passion for working with his hands and manufacturing precision tools. He was a skilled machinist in the aviation and aerospace industry for over 30 years where he produced essential materials in support of military defense and space exploration at North American Aviation (Rockwell International), General Dynamics-Convair, and Rohr Industries until his retirement.

During his time at Rockwell International, he met his first wife, Geraldine Anderson of Lynwood, California. They were married 23 years, raising four children together. Ron and Gerry divorced in 1986. Shortly after, Ron remarried Joyce Muck of Riverside, California. He was a devoted father to her three children.

Throughout life, Ron genuinely enjoyed taking family camping trips, Sunday drives, and picnics in the park. Outside of work, Ron enjoyed anything with horsepower, whether it was motorcycles, dune buggies, bicycles, go-karts, or even actual horses. He was always tinkering with tools to make these things “go faster”. One of his most memorable accomplishments was serving as an enthusiastic Chapter President for the local American Motors AMX/Javelin Club of Southern California.

Ron loved animals of all kinds and never went long without sharing his home with dogs, cats, hamsters, chickens, or even horses. He was a collector of stamps, coins, and specialty tools. He relished all things water related and thrived being outside in the sunshine. Ron took every opportunity to put a smile on his face by enjoying a float trip down the river, a ride his recumbent bike, or a quick rip down a zipline. He valued rockhounding and agate hunting adventures, and even enjoyed dabbling with his artistic side from time to time by crafting jewelry, glassworks, and painting rocks. Most of all, he cherished collecting yard sale treasures and going to the farmers market with his wife, Joyce.

He was the legendary “King of Unusual Eats” and usually mixed everything on his plate together, into a goulash-like meal, smothered in hot sauce. He would often snack on yummy peanut butter, mustard, and cheese sandwiches too. This odd eating style left everyone grossed out and curious. When asked why he ate like this, he simply replied, “because it all ends up in the same spot”.

Ron was more than a hardworking factory man; he was a skilled craftsman and valued leader that took great pride in his work. He was a joyful and compassionate man who didn’t let the grass grow under his feet. He was a kind and friendly man that was well respected by all who knew him for his wisdom, gentle devotion, and sincere smile.

Ron is survived by Joyce Bowers, his wife of 37 years, and children Guy Bowers, Ronna Bowers, Sherry Abbott, Richard Mordoff, John Mordoff, Becky Doore, their loving spouses, many grandchildren, as well as extended family members. He was preceded in death by his son Troy Bowers and cousin Steve Goddard. Ron was a very loving husband, proud father, and super fun grandfather who will be missed beyond measure by us all.

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