Raymond K Bowman

Raymond K. Bowman, 82, of Rexford, NY, went to be with his Lord and Savior, with his family by his sideon Thursday, January 30, 2014. Ray was born in Patterson NJ, the son of the late Kenneth and Anna Galbraith Bowman. He was a graduate of Scotia High School and Kansas State College. Ray owned and operated Bowman Orchards in Rexford from 1952 until 2004, when the business was sold to his son Kevin.Ray started the Clifton Park Fire Prevention Bureau and was past Chief of the bureau. He also wrote the original fire prevention codes for the town of Clifton Park, nicknamed "The Red Book". He is a former Assistant Chief, Commissioner and life member of the Vischer Ferry Fire District. Ray also served as the chairman of the Saratoga CountySoil and Water Conservation District, wasDirector of the N.Y. and New England Apple Institute,a member of the Mohawk Valley Sno-bobbers, the N.Y. Farm Bureau,the Family Motor Coach, Good Sam's , the Rolling Squares and was listed in the 2003 Clifton Park Who's Who honor role. Ray and Bev were also members of the former Ponderosa Partners Square dance Club. Ray's faith was a very important part of his life.He was an active church member serving as a trustee, youth leader, Sunday school teacher and choir member. He also served as a board member of Youth for Christ/Campus life hosting many teen events at the orchard. He and his family enjoyed many camping trips with the Noyes, Kemner and Paulsen families. In addition to his parents, Ray was also predeceased by two sons, Daniel and Richard, his sister Virginia and son in law William Hunt. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Beverly G. Bowman, two sons, David (Robin) Bowman and Kevin (Martha) Bowman, his daughter Jacqueline Hunt, daughter in law Maryann Bowman, brothers in law Donald C. Greene and Clifford E. Greene, 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Calling hours will be held Monday evening from 5-6:30 pm at Temple Baptist Church, 142 Lower Newtown Rd., Waterford, NY. Funeral services will begin at the church at 6:30 pm. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Colonie. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made for fruit tree research to: Cornell's Hudson Valley Research Lab., PO Box 727, Highland, NY, 12528