Richard E Bowman

Richard E. Bowman, 46, of Rotterdam, died suddenly on Saturday, August 3, 2013. Richard spent his childhood working on the family farm, Bowman Orchards.He was a graduate of Shenendehowa High School and Saratoga Warren county Vo-Tec in the autobody repair program. Rick started R&B Autobody and Radiator shop while still in high school and built a small shop on his father's farm. In 1987 he and his wife purchased their shop on State Street in Schenectady.Rick was president of Collision Experts and operated the business with his wife of 27 years. Rick and his wife were true partners both in business and life.Rick worked hard but also played hard.He was always "all in" and fully invested.This included how he loved people, pursued hobbies and approached life in general. Over the years his hobbies included boating and camping with family and friends at Indian Lake, his "Team Junk" demolition derby (NYS Champion 1994), "Chain Reaction" 4WD truck pulling team, snowmobiling throughout northeastern Canada, his annual Rickstock parties, cruising throughout the Caribbean and Alaska perfecting his award winning karaoke version of "I'm so excited", eating at the finest and most innovative restaurant in NYC, then purchasing the latest kitchen equipment to make gourmet modernist meals for his family and friends, attending Power Wagon rally's in the northeast and trail riding though mud and rough terrain, attending church and being an active contributor even sharing his automobile collection (strictly MOPAR) with adults and children of all ages. Above all else, however, he loved God and his family.His hobbies were always family hobbies.The "team" was always made up of his wife, his children and usually a few nephews and friends.Rick loved his parents and had a special bond with his mother and called her almost every day just to be sure she was doing well.He was passionate about church planting throughout the world and local charities that worked with those trying to heal from struggles and obstacles in their lives.He was a passionate attendee of Sonrise Bible Church.He also had strong connections to Soncoast Community Church in Delray Beach Florida. Rick is survived by his wife, Maryann (Preston) Bowman, parents, Raymond K. and Beverly G. Bowman of Clifton Park,his children, Bethany Rose of Rotterdam, Julie Anna of Dallas, Benjamin and his beloved wife, Amanda of Schenectady, Amanda Mae of Rotterdam, Charleigh Jane of Rotterdam and Grandson, Ryan of Schenectady, his brothers and sister; David (Robin) Bowman of Rexford,Jacqueline Hunt of Saratoga Springs, and Kevin (Martha) Bowman of Rexford,his mother in law; Betty Jane Preston of Queensbury and several brother and sister in laws. His is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Many he treated just like family and his loyal, "wild yorkie", Francesco, who will miss him greatly. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7 pm at Sonrise Bible Church, 1082 Dunnsville Rd. Funeral services will begin at the church at 7pm. A graveside committal will begin on Friday, 10 am at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 938 Watervliet-Shaker Rd. in Colonie. Memorial donations may be made in Rick's memory to the City Mission of Schenectady, PO Box 760, Schenectady, NY, 12301.