Anthony “Bing” Bowers passed away after a brave and courageous battle with cancer on Monday, March 28, 2022 at the age of 81.
Bing was born July 15th, 1940 in Helena, Montana to Genevieve and Robert Bowers. He was the third child born, joining his older brother and sister, Robert and Judy. Later joined by sister Eloise and brother, Larry “Lee.” Bing cherished time with his siblings and had many great memories.
Bing attended grade school in Helena, graduating from Cathedral High School in 1958. Shortly after graduation, Bing joined the National Guard and was Honorably Discharged in 1960. He then continued his education at Carroll College and was an active member of the Carrolleers. Bing’s tenor voice led to various solos in many plays and performance during his education at Carroll. He graduated in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Upon graduating, his father jokingly stated, “You need a job!” That’s when he began his lifelong career at the family-owned business, Helena Propane Inc. working as the Office Manager. Bing also worked for Montana Propane for several years, retiring in 2007.
Bing met the love of his life, Joan Polich, on a blind date in 1967. Bing and Joan were married on April 19th, 1969 at the Cathedral of St. Helena and honeymooned in Seattle, Washington. Together they welcomed two sons, Bradley “Brad” Patrick in 1970 and Brian Andrew in 1974. As parents, Bing and Joan ensured their children always came first.
In addition to being a father, Bing enjoyed listening to music; camping; spending time at the in-law’s cabin on Stemple Pass; bowling; playing pinochle and Tripoley. Bing loved traveling on chartered trips and adventuring for gambling junkets to Wendover, Nevada which he loved and enjoyed. Bing was an avid sports enthusiast and loved cheering on Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Carroll College Fighting Saints, and the New York Yankees. Even when things got tough, he never lost his sense of humor. Bing’s joke telling and his gift of gab was remarkable. You could always find Bing telling a joke, reliving a story, or reminiscing about old memories.
Bing’s fun-loving nature and humorous optimism landed him many friends throughout his life, and he treasured his friends and family. Bing was one-of-a-kind and his death will leave an incredible void in the hearts of those who loved him.
Bing leaves behind his wife Joan of 52 ½ years, sons Brad and Brian and his Jack Russell grand pups, Zoey and Bruin.
Bing is survived by sisters, Judy Goforth of Washington State; Eloise (Pat) Connelly of Sun City, Arizona; and brother Larry “Lee” (Angel) Bowers of Helena, Montana. Sister-in-Laws, Jacquie Mitschke of Helena, Montana; Judy (Wally) Lockington of Tucson, Arizona; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bing is preceded in death by his parents Genevieve and Robert C. Bowers, Sr.; Brother Robert Bowers, Jr.; Brother-in-laws Mitch Redden and Robert Mitschke; Sister-in-Laws Alice Bowers, Nikki Bowers and Jane Redden; Joan’s parents, Lorraine and Frank Polich, Jr., his beloved Bichon Frise, Lexie; Jack Russell grand pup, Griz; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Bing’s family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Tom Weiner and his exceptional caring staff throughout the years.
Suggested memorials in his name can be donated to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, Carroll College or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Thursday, April 7th at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Thursday April 7, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday April 7, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday April 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12 p.m.
Thursday April 7, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday April 7, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday April 7, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Eloise Connelly says
Aww Bingy Boy! I will miss your quick wit and laughing with you. I know you suffered much and I’m so sorry you went through that. Thank you for being a big brother to me (even if you wouldn’t let me watch the Three Stooges while your ball game was on. 😩. I love you. Your little sis. Eloise
Robin says
Joan our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have wonderful memories of our years of bowling.
Chris and Jan Bowers says
We have many great memories of Uncle Bing. He was always so proud of his tomato plants that he wanted to show them to everyone, even those of us that really didn’t like tomato’s. Or his penchant to stop at Herb’s C store every night on the way home from work to grab a 6 of “Oly”, and a tall boy for the road. And if you ever wanted to see Bing move, just let it be known that there is a spider close by, Bing was the fastest man alive when it came to spiders! We’ll miss you “Benji”! Love to Joan, Brad, and Brian
Vanessa Tolson says
Joan and family, we are saddened to see Bing’s passing. We had many great times bowling! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck and Vanessa
Joanie Mathis says
Oh Joan,, so sorry to see thatVubg has died. We will miss his wit and jokes. He was a great man! We are snowbirding in Apache Junction till May. ; I’m currently in North Dakota with my brother on hospice). All of our days are numbered, but I know heaven is a better place! Blessings to you Joan. I will call you when we get home.
Joanne and Wayne
Pete Storlie says
I am so sorry to see about Bing. We had so much fun running around when we were kids. Wish we had kept in touch over the years. Lots of good memories of our friendship. Even his goofy giggle. Sending heartfelt sympathy to all. Take care. GOD bless .
LISA ADDINGTON says
Joan, Brad, and Brian:
We are so sorry to hear of Bing’s passing. Bing was one of a kind and we will certainly miss our encounters and chance meetings around town and on the occasions of joint air travel to Wendover. His wit and endless supply of jokes that spanned the spectrum of color and subject matter are certainly going to be missed by all that knew him. He was certainly considered a friend by all whoever met him. Gary and I definitely feel a loss due to his passing.
If there is anything that we can do to assist in matters concerning pending services, or anything else to ease the burden of matters of the funeral and beyond, please do not hesitate in contacting us. Many prayers being forwarded to his family.
Sherri Lynn Anderson says
Joan, Brad and Brian
I am so sorry to hear of Bing’s and your dad’s passing. I hope that all the wonderful memories will give you love and comfort in the days to come
Lee Bowers says
Brother Bing, you are sorely missed. You were a big part of my early years and taught me a lot about how to live life ….
When still very young I believe our Mother made Bing take me to his practice for the choir at Carrol College. After practice he took me to the back of the stage where the drummer would sit. There were a bunch of his friends around and the drummer had a propensity for peeling the wood from his sticks with his finger nails. Cool!!! Then they all took me to the deep dark hallways below the college, kinda spooky, where we ended up in a room with a bowling alley that I believe was used by the staff. Bing and his friends were awesome and made me feel special even though my ball never made it to the pins.
Bing also took me fishing a lot. We had fun with his electric worm catcher. He was always trying to trick me into shocking myself which did happen causing us much unhinged laughter. Unfortunately, we caught many more worms than fish but the times we had are not forgotten. Like when he and Joan took me to Joan’s parents cabin up stemple. Bing and I caught a bunch of brook trout and brought them back to the cabin for all to enjoy a wonderful breakfast with the heads still on. The place was magical to me at my age and Bing hung out with me and explained all kinds of things to me in his easy way. I remember sledding up there one winter also.
When I began working with him for our father, Bing taught me the work. He also taught me how to have fun to make the work seem easier. Many times, Bing would flex his forearms which were enormous from working with the heavy propane bottles. Quite the contrast when you saw his legs when he wore shorts, which I was always quick to point out. Bing always had a ready smile for anyone, and he shared many jokes. And then that weird way he wrote left-handed where his hand would curl around the paper he was writing on.
I remember Bing liked to bowl too. Bing taught me to look forward to small occasions to make the workday more enjoyable. Bing enjoyed his daily drive to the bank for deposits. Looking at all the people along the way and chatting and laughing with the bank tellers. He took me with him a few times and I easily found I enjoyed the distraction too. And lunch to Bing was always special when he brought his huge beautiful tomatoes to work. We would eat them like apples. A big juicy red mess that tasted heavenly. Somehow Bing never got any of the mess on him. Amazing …
Later on in years Bing and I would hook up for some Christmas shopping where we would wander the mall with our shopping lists. We would help each other find things and the constant banter, quick wit, and jokes abounded up to when we made for our own cars.
I was able to find some old albums at a garage sale of the Carrol College choir that Bing sang in. One song that Bing sang solo was “Oh Holy Night”. I had it digitized and listen to it during the holidays. I cannot describe how listening to him sing makes me feel but it is akin to what it must be like to be in heaven. What a beautiful and powerful voice …
These are only a few of the great times I remember with my brother.
Bing you are sorely missed but always remembered. A great mentor and brother! Thank you!
My deepest condolences to you Joan, Brad and Brian. Bing’s good nature has touched many lives but none so much as yours. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this challenging time.
Maureen H Shawver says
I still remember when Bing came to St. Helena Grade School, Father Hartman was excited; he had his tenor for the St. Helena Catheral Choir. Bing was in all of the plays that Sister Dorothy directed and his voice was exceptional.. Please accept my most sincere sympathy in this time of loss . Sincerely, a fellow classmate, Maureen Gabse Shawver.
LEANN F FERRON says
Joan, I am so sorry to hear about Bing. We so enjoyed his wit and humor and above all kindness on all our trips. We will miss him so much and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Take car of yourself!
George Murphy says
Bing, Bob Marron (deceased), Eddie Johnson and I “hung out” during our years at Cathedral High School and Carroll College. We shared many adventures (and misadventures) over the years – double dates at the drive-in movies; cruising Last Chance Gulch looking for girls; four of us crowded into Marron’s 1954 VW bug for lunch at the RB Drive In (a favorite meeting spot).
Bing had a beautiful tenor singing voice – much like John Gary. We both sang in the men’s choir at the Cathedral. My special memory is one Christmas eve when Bing sang O Holy Night from the choir loft at midnight mass. After mass we met for late night coffee at the 4B’S café.
At Carroll College we were both in the Carrolleers choral group. He was lead tenor; I was one of two student managers (we did all the work). I met my future wife Arlene at this time – we married in August 1965 – Bing was my best man.
Rest easy my friend .
Dr. Gary Mihelish says
Joan,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Brian and Brad. If you could share your address with me, I would like to share a book with you.
Gary Mihelish
Ryan Connelly says
I am sorry to hear about Uncle Bing. I have so many memories of Uncle Bing. He was always the prankster or joke teller during our family get togethers. He was also the first person to give my brother and I our first piece of candy. Mom wasn’t to excited. Lol! He will be missed by many but never forgotten. Love you Uncle Bing.
Florence H Shaw says
Joan and family
So sorry to hear about Bing. I will always remember his kind way with people and how he loved to have fun.
Audrey Blomquist Kelly says
Joan: Sending my deepest condolences to you during this sad time. I have so many fond memories of bowling years together. Bing always had a way to keep me in stitches and his laugh was infectious. Thinking of you and your family during this sad time. Take care.
Aaron Connelly says
Uncle Bing, thank you for being apart of some of the best memories I have to this day! My time spent up at the homestead during our big family get togethers are some of my most thought of and cherished memories! I will miss you and I wish I could have seen you one more time. I love you you and hope you’re laughing it up with grandma, grandpa and Bob.
Connie Mathews Abbott says
Joan, Brian and Brad – I just learned of Bing’s passing. I have many memories of when we were kids. Bing and I are cousins and nearly the same age. Our mothers were very close and so were us kids. We were together a lot and had great fun, especially when we would have huge family picnics, or would visit our uncle’s mine in a half track. Bing was always like a brother to me. He is in a much better place now. Rest In Peace dear cousin💕