David “Dave” Allen Bowden

David “Dave” Allen Bowden, 70, passed away on November 23, 2025, holding his daughter’s hand, after a courageous battle with squamous cell carcinoma.

Dave was born on January 16, 1955, on Coronado Island, California, to Allen and Ginnie Bowden. The eldest of four children, he grew up as a military brat, moving frequently as his family followed assignments that rarely lasted longer than two years. His childhood took him to many places, including Midway Island, Japan, California, Utah, Rhode Island, and Whidbey Island, Washington. These early experiences shaped his adaptability, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around him, and it was during these years that he developed a deep and lasting love for the Dodgers, as well as for music and movies.

Dave’s love of music, paired with his extensive knowledge of it, led naturally to a career in broadcasting that began while he was still in high school on Midway Island. His family’s final military move brought them to Whidbey Island in 1971, where he graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1973. Dave narrowly missed service in the Vietnam War after President Nixon halted military inductions in June of that year, allowing Dave to continue his education and further pursue his passion for radio. He earned a degree in broadcasting and began working as a part-time newsman at KBRC, marking the start of a substantial career in radio.

Dave went on to serve as general manager, music director, and on-air personality for Whidbey Island’s first radio station, KISD, which later became KJTT. During his time at the station, between 1986 and 1987, Dave earned two Associated Press Reporter of the Month award, a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and talent.

Above all else, Dave was a loving and deeply devoted father whose greatest pride was his two children, Crystal and Darren. He shared a special bond with each of them through his passions: music with Crystal and movies with Darren. So central were these loves to their family life that every home they shared included a room set aside not for guests, but for the vinyl records and movie collections that brought them joy, connection, and countless hours together.

Despite the demanding nature of his work, Dave rarely missed a school event, recital, or game, always ensuring his children had at least one parent cheering them on. One of his most cherished traditions was writing notes for his children’s lunches, a practice he continued well into their high school years. Often including thoughtful messages they needed to read that day. Dave was also a devoted son who maintained a close and loving bond with his mother, writing her daily emails faithfully up until the day he passed.

Dave will be remembered for his quiet consistency, thoughtfulness, and unwavering devotion to family. He loved his nieces and nephews as though they were his own and continued to count his former in-laws as siblings. He showed his love through his presence, his words, and his humor.

Dave is survived by his mother, Ginnie Bowden; his children, Crystal Bowden (Jeremy Hurst) and Darren (Elyssa) Bowden; his four grandchildren, Matthew, Madelynn, Isabella, and Scarlett; his siblings, Debbie (Paul) Wilson and Doug Bowden; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Bowden, and his brother, Dan Bowden.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, there will be no public service.

Dave’s legacy lives on as one of the first “Voices of the Island,” in the family he nurtured, the values he modeled, and the countless small moments of love that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.