Friends of late Beach resident plant memorial tree
The late Claude Bowyer will always be remembered as a kind man who loved Fort Myers Beach and was actively involved in town organizations. Roughly 50 members of the Beach community held a tree-planting commemoration in Matanzas Pass Preserve on Saturday, June 5, to serve as a dedication.
Bowyer, 67, died on May 6, of complications from injuries suffered in an automobile accident near his home on the Beach.
Many of those who knew and loved him, including event organizer Jim Rodwell, Dr. Leroy Hommerding, Ceel Spuhler, A.J. Bassett, Roxie Smith, Betty Simpson, Terry Cain, Town Attorney Anne Dalton and Councilman Tom Babcock, shared a few stories about Bowyer before forming a line and passing the shovel to contribute to the planting.
“I remember the first town council meeting my wife and I ever went to,” said Babcock. “We sat way in the back because we really didn’t want to be noticed. I remember looking at the front row and seeing this guy in sandals, shorts, flowered shirt and a ponytail and thought ‘what is with this place.’ Over the years I kept running into Claude at town functions, committee meetings and social events. Over time, I really got to know him as a friend and recognized his intelligence, caring and giving nature.”
Many referred to Bowyer as a “behind-the-scenes” man who would sacrifice his time for others. Rodwell, who knew him for many years through various volunteer efforts, buried Bowyer’s necklace which he wore the night he was struck by the automobile.
“I served on the board with Claude for a number of years,” said Rodwell. “When the board meeting was over we would go to Casey’s, Shamrock or Terra Nostra and continue the meeting. He was a good friend, and he thought of me as a good friend.”
Bowyer was involved in many town organizations throughout the years such as being a member of the Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of the Beach Library and serving on the Town Charter Committee, Bay Oaks Recreation Center, the Senior Club, Matanzas Pass and the Beach Art Association.
Bowyer earned a B.A. in Social Science from the University of Baltimore and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland. He worked as a medical social worker in Fort Myers and moved to the Beach in 1996.