In Memorium
Alex's primary passion was aviation. The son of American Airlines Captain Robert W. Bower (deceased), Alex traveled much of the world riding with his father in the cockpits of commercial jets. He went on to earn his certification as a small aircraft pilot in southern California and thoroughly enjoyed his time in the skies until an injury permanently grounded him from flying solo. However, Alex kept active in the online world of flight simulation, frequently making long virtual flights or manning a busy control tower with other flight simulation hobbyists, all of whom he held in the highest regard. A master of aeronautics, Alex would be quick to calm the fears of anyone afraid of flying by explaining the safety features of numerous aircraft. He was always eager to chauffeur his friends to and from the airport if needed; not only as a gesture of good will, but also just so he could watch the planes arrive and depart.Alex also enjoyed yachting, and was a certified skipper. He spent many summers in southern California skippering charter yachts out to Catalina Island.
He attended UC Davis for Oenology, which led him to his most recent career. With over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry, Alex boasted an extensive knowledge of wines and spirits. He was extremely comfortable behind the bar, both entertaining and enjoying the company of his patrons, and coworkers. He had an endless portfolio of stories, jokes, tourist information, and baseball stats, and took pride in the fact that he kept one of the cleanest bars in San Francisco. Patrons lucky enough to sit at the bar during Alex's shift often left feeling as if they had just made a new friend.
Lately Alex became profoundly involved in his other passion, cycling. He spent much of his spare time, weather permitting or sometimes not, going on long rides on his bicycle, either alone or with his friends. One of his regular rides was over the Golden Gate Bridge to Tiburon and back again. He participated in and raised funds for the Aids Lifecycle in both 2005 and 2006, and immediately signed up to ride in it again this year. Due to his stories and excitement about his first ride in 2005, Alex was the inspiration and founder of "Team Noe", a cycling group of 7 friends from the Noe Valley neighborhood that did the ride together in June 2O06.
Affectionately deemed by his friends as the unofficial "Mayor of Noe Valley", Alex was well acquainted with many of the neighbors and merchants in that part of the city that he called "home". Alex was a vibrant character who lived his life to the fullest. He had charisma and a sentimental charm that were hard to ignore, and knew full well the value of love and friendships. Always eager to help a friend, he would be there at the drop of a hat when needed, and would (sometimes literally) give you the shirt off of his back. He appreciated good humor, and was not above making himself the butt of a joke just to see a friend laugh. For all those who knew Alex, it is hard to think of him and not smile., Alex' touched the lives of countless people with his heart of gold, and his legacy of good will and fond memories will be in our hearts forever.
Alex, you are sorely missed.
A memorial service for Alex Bower was held at 9am on Thursday, February 15,2007 at the Neptune Society Columbarium, 1 Lorraine Court, San Francisco. A reception was also held later that afternoon at the Dubliner Bar, 3838 24th St, San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Alex's honor to www.AidsLifecyCle.org, or under Team Noe.