Willard (Red) Bowen passed away on Feb. 25, 2017, in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 79.

He was born Feb. 9, 1938, to Helen (Malcolm) and Willard M. Bowen in Hoquiam, Wash. He was the youngest of five children, having four older sisters.

Red grew up in Aberdeen, graduating from Weatherwax High School in 1956. He served in the National Guard for several years. He worked at Bayview Lumber in Cosmopolis for more than 20 years, but found a true calling in trucking, owning and operating a small trucking company, Nor-Pac Distributing. He later joined Trailer Service Co as a partner in 1985, until his retirement in 2007. Red lived on the Harbor for most of his life, moving to Palm Springs five years ago.

Red married his high school sweetheart Patricia Montgomery in 1958. They had three children, Patti, Willard and Terry. Pat passed away in 1992, and their son Willard in 1984.

Red found love again with Mavis Lawty. They were married in 1996. Together, Red and Mavis travelled to many wonderful destinations. Red enjoyed his family and friends. He was an enthusiastic clam digger, loved his constant companion, his dog, Coco, loved gardening, and developed a love of desert cactus gardening after moving to Palm Springs.

Red was a hardworking man, with a kind and thoughtful nature. To his family, he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. The gifts his life brought us are immeasurable.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Mavis Bowen; his children: Patricia Grant (J.Dale), Terry Bowen (Terri), Doug Lawty (Amy), and Sissy Lawty; seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his sister, Charlotte Bowen; niece Vicki McMillan; and his beloved dog, Coco.

Graveside services are set for Friday, March 24, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Cosmopolis Cemetery. A reception follows at the Cosmopolis Lions Club.