Arthur G. Bowie

 Arthur G. Bowie, 86, of South Haven, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at his home at the River Ridge Retirement Community. He was born July 11, 1929 to William and Lillian (Haag) Bowie in Bravo, Michigan. Art graduated from Fennville High School in 1949. Following his graduation, Arthur signed a professional baseball contract with the Boston Braves of the National League. He also made the All State Semi Pro Baseball in Michigan in 1952. Art would later be inducted into Fennville’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Art served his country in the United States Army during the Korean war. Arthur married Ena Bertorelli on February 27, 1954 in South Haven. A member of the Laborer’s International Union 819, Arthur served 13 years as the Business Manager and Secretary. He was elected to the State of Michigan Building Trade Council and served as President of the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Building Trade for eight years. He then worked in auto sales for 25 years with Seiler Auto Sales, McFadden Motors, and Walt Sicard Car Company. He was a  past president of the St. Basil School Board and the South Haven Jaycees. Arthur also served as a board of director for the Fennville High School Alumni Association. Arthur was a member of the American Legion Post 49, South Haven Elks #1509, and Knights of Columbus Council #2594.

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his wife – Ena Bowie who passed in 2003; siblings – William “Sonnie” Bowie, Jack Bowie, and Lillian Tuleja.

Arthur is survived by his children – Stephen Bowie of Holland, John (Kimberly) Bowie of Wyoming, Michigan, Monica (Frank) Mitidieri of Grand Rapids, and Tonia (Dave) Swigart of South Haven. Four grandchildren – Kali, Nikki, Jordan, and Sinjihn and special friend – Marie Walker of Paw Paw also survive.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 11, 2015 at the First Congregational Church of South Haven with Rev. Father Robert Flickinger officiating. Arthur will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. Contributions may be made in Arthur’s memory to the St. Basil Education Endowment Fund or South Haven’s Hospice at Home.