~ IN MEMORY ~
Navy veteran, WA/DL Capt. Howard Anderson “Andy”
Bowles
January 6, 1936 ~ July 30, 2026
Retired WA/DL Capt. Howard Anderson “Andy” Bowles
Jr. joined Western Airlines 01-13-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines based
SLC. Andy is survived by his wife Molly,
and by his daughters and their families.
A Celebration of Life event will be held for Captain
Bowles at a later date.
PCN memorial site
Obituary
: Howard Anderson “Andy” Bowles,
devoted husband, father, grandfather, naval aviator, airline captain, and
lifelong adventurer, passed away peacefully at his home in Los Altos,
California on July 30, 2026 at the age of 90.
Born in Alhambra, California, on January 6, 1936,
Andy was awarded a Navy scholarship to and graduated from the University of
Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering before
answering a calling to serve his country as a United States Naval Aviator.
Andy retired as a Commander in the U.S. Navy after
a distinguished career that included service during the Vietnam War and command
of Patrol Squadron VP-91.
Andy’s passion for flying was matched by his love
for telling the stories of the extraordinary people with whom he served.
Following his military service, Andy enjoyed a
second career in the skies, flying for Western Airlines and later as a Captain
for Delta Air Lines. Whether in the cockpit or at home, he was most comfortable
when guiding others with quiet confidence, sound judgment, and an unfailing
sense of responsibility.
For nearly sixty-eight years, Andy shared a
remarkable marriage with the love of his life, Molly Bowles. Together they
built a home grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering support for their
family.
He is survived by his
beloved wife, Molly; his daughters, Susan Zecher (Jim Zecher) and Shari Bowles
Gibbons (Phil Gibbons); his grandchildren, Tim Zecher and Catie Zecher; and his
brother, Bill Bowles (Judie Bowles).
To those who knew him, Andy will be remembered
less for the titles he held than for the man he was. He believed in taking
responsibility for one’s actions, working hard, treating others with kindness,
and stepping forward when leadership was needed. He raised his daughters to
embrace those same values, and they became the foundation upon which
generations of his family continue to build their lives.
Andy possessed an effortless
sense of humor that never faded, even during his final years. Those close to
him looked forward to spending time with Andy because he made them laugh and
treated them like family. In return, they grew deeply attached to the man whose
warmth, optimism, and genuine interest in life brightened every room he
entered.
Outside of work, Andy loved flying, reading,
traveling the world, and sharing stories from a life rich with adventure.
Whether recounting military missions, memorable flights, or travels abroad, he
had a gift for making every story come alive and every listener feel as though
they had been there beside him.
His legacy lives on not only through his family
but through the countless people who learned from his example that true
leadership is measured not by recognition but by character. He demonstrated
every day that integrity, accountability, generosity, and humor are among
life’s greatest accomplishments.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later
date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that
memorial contributions be made to the Brain Donation Network in honor of Andy’s
lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge and helping future generations.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain. Thank you
for showing us how to live with courage, humility, and joy.
