Robert H. Bowes *71

Robert Bowes, a retired aeronautical engineer, died Feb. 8, 2018, at the age of 76.

In 1964, Bowes graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering. He then attended the Navy Test Pilot School and graduated in 1966. He taught there from 1967 to 1978, and his academic and professional performances sent him to Princeton, where he earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering in 1971.

In 1980, Bowes was named Rotary Wing Engineer of the Year. He was the first recipient of the Wernecke Award for technical excellence in rotorcraft test and evaluation in 1988. That year, he retired from the federal civil service.

Throughout the years, Bowes used his skills on the water and started a charter fishing business. He also used his boat to provide fishing trips and boat rides to children at a muscular-dystrophy camp and rides for the elderly, homeless, and others. For such efforts, Bowes and his wife were inducted in 2015 into the Community Foundation of Southern Maryland’s Philanthropy Hall of Fame.

Bowes is survived by his wife, Patricia; seven children; 20 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. A grandson predeceased him.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.