Dwight Bowden

Nov 25, 1931 -

Apr 20, 2022

Dwight passed away peacefully at home with family on April 20, 2022. He was born at a home his grandfather Bill Crews had built in Hope, Ark., to James and Velma Bowden. Dwight was attending Texarkana College in 1950 when the Korean War started. At 19, he and two friends signed up to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served stateside at Camp Pendleton, driving his '32 Ford home on every leave to chase after a young woman friends had introduced.

Barbara lived across the state line in Arkansas. At a young age, she learned to drive her dad's WWII-era Willy's Jeep during frequent fishing and hunting trips. Jeeps were rare then, and hers was the envy of many in her high school. The yearbook noted that Barbara was expected to become a driver in "Jimmy Lynch's Death Dodgers."

Just after his completing military service but before tying the knot, the now-engaged Dwight headed north to Alaska with the two school friends from the Marine Corps, Jim and Harlan. The trip taught some valuable lessons: first learned was "do not pass the snowplow in the Yukon during a snowstorm at night." They did arrive safely in Alaska, explored and wintered in a homestead cabin.

Dwight and Barbara married in 1954. They honeymooned in New Orleans and drove to Alaska afterwards, always taking the scenic routes. Soon his two friends followed north with their wives, and they all stayed many years raising families while remaining friends throughout their lives.

Dwight worked at First Federal Savings and Loan, Action Realty, Bowden Co. Realtors, and Jack White Real Estate, from 1962 retiring in 2019, holding many titles and duties in the Anchorage real estate community.

On weekends, when not showing open houses, Dwight and Barbara's passion for adventure found them together and active with like-minded folks of their beloved Alaska Sports Car Club. They always loved the competition, whether they were winning or not, and found family with the fellowship on and off the track. The Alaska Sports Car Club held racing events on the streets of downtown Anchorage, which would become an Arctic Monte Carlo racetrack for the annual Fur Rendezvous Grand Prix. Dwight first raced in downtown Anchorage in 1964 and continued to compete into the 2000s.

Dwight was tragically preceded in death by his son, Scott, who passed in 1983; losing his eldest son, Terry, in 1991.

Dwight is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Gary; brothers, James Bowden and Bill Bowden; and many wonderful nieces and amazing nephews.

In lieu of flowers, thoughtful contributions to worthy causes helping veterans and families with housing assistance are requested.

Great appreciation is extended to Alaska Home Based Care at the Veterans Administration, to Yvonne and Darlene at McKinley Home Care with special gratitude to Cheryl and Bill for much needed assistance during 2020.